Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Wednesday took another step in its enforcement proceeding against Jersey Central Power & Light, saying the utility failed to meet the state’s minimum electric reliability standards for three consecutive years.
At the same meeting, the Board announced a separate review of electric distribution companies’ response to widespread power outages caused by severe weather and extreme heat during the July Fourth holiday and the days that followed, following complaints from customers and local officials across New Jersey.
Board continues JCP&L accountability proceeding
The enforcement action stems from an Order to Show Cause issued in August after the Board determined JCP&L failed to satisfy New Jersey’s Minimum Reliability Level standards during 2022, 2023, and 2024. Regulators have since been working with the utility and the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel to determine what corrective actions should be required.
“New Jersey residents deserve safe, affordable, reliable electric service, and this proceeding reflects the Board’s commitment to holding utilities accountable when they fail to meet our standards,” NJBPU President Ben Hertz-Shargel said in a statement.
“We will continue to closely scrutinize JCP&L’s performance, take corrective actions, and use every tool available to defend utility customers across the state.“
Wednesday’s order establishes Aug. 12 as the deadline for individuals or organizations seeking to intervene or participate in the proceeding. Commissioner Christine Guhl-Sadovy has been designated to oversee the case, which is filed under Docket No. EO25070453.
The Board said the proceeding is intended to ensure JCP&L delivers “the reliable electric service New Jersey customers are entitled to receive.”
Separate investigation launched into July outages
The Board also announced a new proceeding to examine how New Jersey’s electric distribution companies responded to widespread outages that affected residents during the July Fourth weekend and the following week.
According to the NJBPU, officials received numerous complaints from customers and municipal leaders regarding restoration efforts during a period of dangerous heat.
“Many residents experienced prolonged outages during dangerously high temperatures, along with reports of lengthy estimated restoration times, inadequate communication with local officials, and concerns about the adequacy of utility restoration resources,” the Board said in its announcement.
In response, Hertz-Shargel directed Board staff to open a formal review of utilities’ storm response and restoration performance.
Public comments encouraged
Under existing regulations, each electric utility must submit a comprehensive post-event report within 20 days following a major outage event. Board staff will review those reports along with comments submitted by residents, businesses, and local officials.
“Board Staff will evaluate these reports and comments received through this new proceeding to determine whether the EDCs met applicable performance expectations and whether additional regulatory action is warranted,” the agency said.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to oversight, stating it “remains committed to holding New Jersey’s electric utilities accountable for providing safe, adequate, and reliable electric service and effective communication during outage events.”
Residents impacted by outages during the July Fourth holiday and the following week are encouraged to submit comments to the NJBPU. Submissions should reference Docket No. EO26070387.
Why it matters
JCP&L serves hundreds of thousands of customers across central and northern New Jersey, including large portions of Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, Hunterdon, Morris, and surrounding counties. The outcome of both the enforcement proceeding and the July storm review could result in additional oversight, corrective actions, or other regulatory measures designed to improve electric reliability and emergency response for customers across the state.
