Middletown, NJ – As power was restored to most customers following days of storm-related outages, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said he is pressing JCP&L to compensate residents who lost food and incurred other expenses during the prolonged outages.
In a Sunday evening update, Perry said he participated in a conference call with JCP&L alongside mayors and elected officials from Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties to discuss ongoing restoration efforts and residents’ concerns.
Perry also gave updates on the now complete repairs of a major water main break.
Mayor requests reimbursement for outage losses
“I also requested that JCP&L look to reimburse for spoiled food and other related expenses and requested more detailed information on staffing levels and restoration timelines so local officials can provide residents with better and more timely updates,” Perry said.
The mayor acknowledged that restoration schedules varied depending on the location and severity of storm damage but said local officials expressed frustration over the length of time many residents had gone without electricity.
Review planned after restoration completed
Perry said he would continue working until the remaining outages in Middletown were restored. Since the statement was issued Sunday, the damaged water main has been repaired and power has been restored to the vast majority of affected customers.
“Once this event is over, I will be meeting with FirstEnergy and JCP&L to review their response and discuss needed improvements to how outage information and restoration updates are communicated to our residents,” Perry said.
He also thanked the Middletown Police Department, Fire Department, EMS, Office of Emergency Management, and Public Works crews for their response throughout the multi-day emergency.
Residents seeking reimbursement for spoiled food or other outage-related losses should monitor JCP&L’s website or contact the utility directly to determine whether they qualify under the company’s claims process.
Key Points
- Middletown Mayor Tony Perry asked JCP&L to reimburse residents for spoiled food and other outage-related expenses.
- The request came during a conference call with utility officials and elected leaders from Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties.
- Most power has since been restored, and Perry said he plans to meet with FirstEnergy and JCP&L to review the utility’s response to the outages.
