As New Jersey braces for a sharp drop in temperatures over the next 48 hours, electric company crews are preparing for potential power outages caused by the expected winter storm.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for arctic conditions, and utility companies in the state are taking steps to ensure prompt response to any service disruptions. Winter storms are forecast to bring moderate to heavy snow to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Sunday.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), which serves more than 1.1 million customers in central and northern New Jersey, has issued a statement reminding customers to be vigilant during these extreme conditions.
The company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, emphasized the importance of safety measures, especially for individuals using electric heating elements such as space heaters and electric blankets, advising never to leave them unattended.
For those who rely on electrically operated life support equipment, JCP&L recommends having a battery backup in place and notifying family or friends of any special needs in case of an emergency.
In the event of an urgent situation, customers are reminded to dial 911 for immediate assistance.
New Jersey’s electric utility infrastructure is served by four major companies: Jersey Central Power & Light (owned by FirstEnergy), Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), Atlantic City Electric, and Orange and Rockland. Each of these companies has programs in place to help customers manage service disruptions during winter months.
One such initiative is the Winter Termination Program, which protects eligible customers from having their electric or gas service disconnected between November 15 and March 15. This program is available to those receiving benefits from the Lifeline Credit Program or the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
In addition, customers who may be struggling to pay their bills can enroll in assistance programs or payment plans offered by the utilities.
As winter weather sets in, residents are encouraged to report power outages promptly. Customers can report outages to their respective electric companies through a variety of channels:
- FirstEnergy (JCP&L): Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), text OUT to LIGHTSS (544487), or report online at firstenergycorp.com/reportoutage.
- PSE&G: Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734), text OUT to PSE&G (47734), or report online at nj.pseg.com/outageandgasleaks.
The electric companies continue to stress the importance of preparedness and safety as the state faces harsh winter conditions.
Keeping warm and safe during extreme cold is a priority, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid disruptions to service and ensure they have backup plans in place.
Arctic Temperatures Approach New Jersey; Electric Companies Prepare for Potential Service Disruptions
As New Jersey braces for a sharp drop in temperatures over the next 48 hours, electric company crews are preparing for potential power outages caused by the expected winter storm. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for arctic conditions, and utility companies in the state are taking steps to ensure prompt response to any service disruptions.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), which serves many areas in the state, has issued a statement reminding customers to be vigilant during these extreme conditions. The company emphasized the importance of safety measures, especially for individuals using electric heating elements such as space heaters and electric blankets, advising never to leave them unattended.
For those who rely on electrically operated life support equipment, JCP&L recommends having a battery backup in place and notifying family or friends of any special needs in case of an emergency. In the event of an urgent situation, customers are reminded to dial 911 for immediate assistance.
New Jersey’s electric utility infrastructure is served by four major companies: Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L, owned by FirstEnergy), Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), Atlantic City Electric, and Orange and Rockland. Each of these companies has programs in place to help customers manage service disruptions during winter months.
One such initiative is the Winter Termination Program, which protects eligible customers from having their electric or gas service disconnected between November 15 and March 15. This program is available to those receiving benefits from the Lifeline Credit Program or the Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). In addition, customers who may be struggling to pay their bills can enroll in assistance programs or payment plans offered by the utilities.
As winter weather sets in, residents are encouraged to report power outages promptly. Customers can report outages to their respective electric companies through a variety of channels:
- FirstEnergy (JCP&L): Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), text OUT to LIGHTSS (544487), or report online at firstenergycorp.com/reportoutage.
- PSE&G: Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734), text OUT to PSE&G (47734), or report online at nj.pseg.com/outageandgasleaks.
The electric companies continue to stress the importance of preparedness and safety as the state faces harsh winter conditions. Keeping warm and safe during extreme cold is a priority, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to avoid disruptions to service and ensure they have backup plans in place.
The big blast of snow and arctic air is set to sweep across the Northeast this holiday weekend, with Winter Storm Demi, named by The Weather Channel, expected to impact New Jersey and surrounding regions.
The storm is poised to bring several inches of snow to the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and New England, which may disrupt travel and sporting events, including an NFL playoff game scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
The storm will bring a quick round of snow, with the heaviest accumulations expected north and west of the I-95 corridor. From northern Maryland to Boston, snowfall totals of 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts are forecast. The storm’s snow is expected to start early Sunday morning and continue into the day, with road conditions becoming increasingly tricky by later in the holiday weekend.
In addition to the snow, dangerously cold temperatures will follow the storm, marking the coldest air of the season. Winter weather advisories are in effect for much of the region, including from northern Virginia to New England. Arctic air is set to push southward across the country, with the coldest conditions hitting the East Coast Sunday night.
By Sunday, temperatures will plummet, with forecast highs ranging from below zero to the single digits in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. The central Plains and Midwest will see highs in the teens and 20s, while the southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley can expect temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Dangerous wind chills as low as 30-55 degrees below zero are anticipated in parts of the Rockies, northern Plains, and Upper Midwest, posing a life-threatening risk of frostbite and hypothermia to exposed skin.
The cold front will continue to affect travel conditions, with snow showers and light snow expected across the central Rockies and adjacent central/southern High Plains. Snowfall of 3-6 inches is possible in areas like the Raton Mesa, though the rest of the central and western U.S. will experience dry conditions this weekend.
For New Jersey residents, these cold conditions will continue into next week, and precautions should be taken to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. As always, individuals are urged to stay informed about weather developments and report any outages to their utility companies.