MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) crews continue to work restoring power to approximately 18,000 customers after severe thunderstorms and high winds last night initially left 85,000 without electric service.
JCP&L crews were on storm alert yesterday because of high temperatures and threats of severe thunderstorms. Working through the night, JCP&L crews have restored 67,000 customers. Most of the remaining outages are in Monmouth and Ocean counties, which were hardest hit by yesterday's storms and winds up to 70 miles per hour.
Crews will continue to work until all customers are restored.
Customers are cautioned never to touch downed lines and should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity. Downed wires should be reported immediately to JCP&L or local police or fire department. Customers should never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines because they could conduct electricity. Instead, wait for emergency services or utility crews to arrive.
For updated information, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, go to www.firstenergycorp.com. Customers can also report outages and view timely, accurate and easy-to-use outage information through JCP&L's "24/7 Power Center" maps, accessible on desktops, smart phones and mobile devices at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.JCP&L will also provide updates via Twitter @JCP_L. Outages may also be reported by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE). JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
