patching...
Breaking: Obama and Christie to Visit Jersey Shore on Tuesday »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Power Restoration Continues in Brick; Resources Still Available for Storm Victims

JCP&L reporting fewer residents without power

 

Many Brick residents – about half that lost power during Wednesday's nor'easter – had gained back electrical power by Friday morning, Jersey Central Power & Light reported.

By early Friday morning, 7,863 customers remained without power, down from 14,000 after Wednesday's snowstorm and a high of about 32,000 after Hurricane Sandy first struck.

The company said 7,891 customers had their power restored Thursday, and estimated another 364 would be restored Friday and just under 2,000 would be restored Saturday.

Several large areas, including developments off Princeton Avenue and developments in the northern portions of the Herbertsville section, were restored Thursday night.

Resources were still available for residents in need of warmth or a hot meal.

Free hot meals were being served at:

  • Brick PAL, Drum Point Road, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.
  • Brick Presbeterian Church, Drum Point Road, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (check daily, 732-477-0676).
  • Visitation Church, Mantoloking Road, three meals per day, call 732-920-1365.

Brick Knights of Columbus Council 836 has announced it will host a spaghetti dinner Friday evening at its building at 1065 Cedar Bridge Avenue for all affected by the storms. Dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The township's FEMA disaster center is also open and now located in Civic Plaza, on Chambers Bridge Road.

About this column: News and essential information about Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. Related Topics: Hurricane Sandy, Knights Of Columbus, Nor'easter, and brick nj news

Fred

7:37 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Any word on when Shore Acres will be restored?

Reply
Comment_arrow

beachgirl17

8:46 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Fred, We are also in Shore Acres, no power going on 12 days now! There are so many of us undamaged, no down poles no down wires, we are trying to stick it out but this is unreal!

Rick Mitukiewicz

7:56 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

This morning JCP&L said by midnight Saturday. Their "notes" on their computer said they are waiting for FEMA to finish inspections but that their work is done. Please call them to apply pressure!

Reply
Comment_arrow

Guy

8:41 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

I am new to Brick Shore Acres area as I just moved in 6 weeks ago, What number do I call to apply pressure? Thanks!

type writer

8:02 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Now is the time to consolidate the tiny towns along the shore.

Reply

sharon

8:22 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

What about Baywood section? Have not seen a truck.

Reply

Marcy Lipka

8:25 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Baywood had power up until my house. From there down to the marina still dark. Hopefully today. :-)

Reply

Marcy Lipka

8:25 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Sharon- can u keep me posted? I work an hr away. Thanks!!

Reply

Jim Leone

10:57 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

‎I'm in shore acres... and 12 days without power now.....My thoughts on The electric companies and power restoration:
JCP&L officials and workers have made this statement. "We are attempting to restore power by region, based on the amount of people that are affected first"

Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but that means some areas are getting preferred service. NOT ACCEPTABLE.
IF, this was a NON PAID service, without FEES or Charges, then I would say acceptable. But this is a charged service, with SLA's and customer expectations. REGARDLESS of weather disaster or reason. Preparation and support is THEIR responsibility, and what we PAY FOR! This is not COURTESY restoration, it is EXPECTED restoration.

IF they say certain areas are getting preferred service due to their area and the amount of customers, then THAT AREA should pay more for their service. If my area is not preferred, I should pay LESS. If we pay the same fee structure and amount for service, we should be expected to get the SAME SERVICE and have the SAME EXPECTATIONS. No different than if first class gets preferred service, they pay for it. If we all pay the same amount, we all should be given the same service and have the same expectations.

They admitted, some areas are not down due to a more 'complicated' situation, but simply and executive decision to service certain areas before others.
HEADS SHOULD ROLL

Reply
Comment_arrow

Becki Hager

11:27 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Well said, Jim - a very logical approach. Any ideas on who we can call? Let's roll!

Comment_arrow

beachgirl17

12:28 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Jim- Right on! Did someone forget about us by accident or on purpose?? 12 days no heat, no power, we can't go much longer. Some who only lost power Wed., have been restored already(In Brick!) Grossly neglected by JCP&L, our town, and by our fabulous Gov. Christie who just keeps telling us to calm down and relax. We pay for a service, we expect that service to work, and if it breaks, a swift resolution...afterall, they want their money on time don't they?? Ready to roll as well!

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

12:54 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

I know many are out there with far worse issues, but as I stated, they are a service provider. To discriminate based on region or population is unacceptable. UNLESS, this was a voluntary service where beggers can't be choosers. We all pay the SAME AMOUNT for this service. If they make decisions that some areas are more important and will get preferred attention, then there should be a fee schedule to support preference. Even at Great Adventure, if you want to preferred service, you pay for fast pass. Those patron get preferred treatment. If everyone paid the same and some were given preferred treatment for a paid-for service, that would be discrimination and honestly, against the law. So, why is it the utility gets away with it? An official that had the power company come take care of his home first in NY was fired for that tactic. They should either charge appropriately based on region and preference, or all should get the same attention, service, and expectations. This policy by a major utility is unacceptable by today's standards, and in big business would create fines or inspire discriminatory lawsuits. And rightly so!

Comment_arrow

Vin

12:56 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Seriously? They are saying they are sending the crews to areas which effect the most people. Of course they are going to do the repairs that bring the most customers up first. This isn't preferential treatment its common sense. It's also common sense that area's that suffered severe flooding will most likely be slower then dry regions. I know its been along time since any of us took 5th grade science but evidently water + electricity is bad.

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

1:05 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Vin,

maybe you have a comprehension problem or didn't make it out of first grade, but that IS what they stated. And, if you had an ounce of common sense, you'd comprehend the point I am making in my message. Apparently you interpret what you think you understand, and not what is written. If this was not a FEE BASED SERVICE, and assistance from the kindness of their hearts, that is one thing. Customers paying for the SAME SERVICE, are entitle to the SAME SERVICE. IF, they cannot provide the SAME SERVICE to all paying the SAME fees, then they should not offer SLA's or discount those that cannot receive the SAME SERVICE.
It seems save to say you've never dealt with SLA's, big industry, or service provider contracting. But thank you for your more than intelligent input.

Comment_arrow

Vin

1:32 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

no Jim they are saying they are focusing on heaviest hit areas first and doing repairs that get the most people up first. Have you been blind to the destruction around us? There is no way to just get everyone up at the same time.

I just finally got power back myself and of course I am thrilled to have it because sure it does suck living in one room with a space heater powered by a generator but ya know what I can deal with no power. I'm just happy to still have a house because I have quite a few friends and family members that don't anymore. So while it was worrisome during the cold we had this week, I really I don't see it as something to scream and cry about right now. Just be glad temps are rising again and maybe get out of the house and help some of the less fortunate.

Now is the time to unite and help eachother not whine and scream and make a problem of ourselves.

Furthermore you have no idea what I do. I will say I do not work for any of the power crews but I can almost guaranty that I have more experience dealing with disaster recovery operations then most people.

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

1:49 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Vin,

Once again, you are still not comprehending my initial statement.
Let's just agree to disagree. It's not worth the argument.

Best luck to you and have a great weekend.

Comment_arrow

John B

3:17 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Jim,

You said correct you if you are wrong, so here is your correction. What they are saying is they are evaluating what repairs need to be done, and the amount of people that will be restored with each repair. In simple terms, if one repair will restore power to 200 homes while another will restore power to two homes, they will do the repair that restores the 200 homes first. This is not preferential treatment. it is how they are getting the most people back in service as quickly as they can. The key words in their statement are 'that are affected".

I share your frustration, i have been without power since October 29th and am still without power. This long without a power restoration is unacceptable. I don't think JCP&L should be given a pass for this because of the length of time things have been down, especially with all of the out of state crews that are coming in to help. Something in their management or work order structure needs to be improved. However, they are not giving certain areas preferential treatment. They are turning on customers as as quickly as they can, and prioritizing work to do so.

And before you make the accusation, I am in no way shape or form affiliated with JCP&L other than being another dissatisfied customer.

Comment_arrow

Mike

3:34 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

If your power is out you are not paying for power - which means you already are paying less for power than those with power

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

4:45 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

@Mike,

An answer as intelligent as yours speaks for itself.
We pay a rate for power, but included are SERVICE charges. Those charges are for delivery of that power, and comes with the agreements to provide power.

I'm guessing you're the brightest bulb in the box.

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

4:53 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

John B,
You seem educated, but do you read well? Why are there so many individuals with comprehension issues out there?
I DID state that they are focusing on areas that will restore power to larger numbers. And did say if this was NOT a paid service that would be acceptable. Also, deciding to do an area that affects a great number of people rather than fewer IS preferential treatment. BASED ON POPULATION.
Do I need to provide a dictionary for people? If you are going to correct someone, please understand what has been already said. You are correcting me by stating what I already stated. You’re using different words, but evidentially there is a language barrier where some words obviously cannot be comprehended.

Comment_arrow

Jim Leone

4:53 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

There is a BIGGER picture here. Obviously, that goes right over some heads, but you can argue as you wish. JCP&L is a BUSINESS, not a CHARITY!
Everyone is entitled to the SAME service if they are paying the SAME fees. If they could not handle a disaster or to provide that service, REGARDLESS of reason, then they are not the COMPANY for the job!
If you brought your car in for an oil change and are paying the same for that oil change as everyone else. And have been waiting two hours for it. But an auto dealer that has 20 cars and a larger account steps in, and they put him before you, because it will satisfy more people at one time that is NOT appropriate.
And trust me; you'd have something to say.
JCP&L is inadequate, poorly managed, did and does not have proper planning or support, and has not managed this disaster in the manner that it should have.
They are a BUSINESS making money, realizing profits, and providing a service.
To decide which areas get power first is discriminating and making a calculated and preferred decision. If you like, I can forward the definitions of those words to you, and that may help. But if they CANNOT provide smaller areas with the same response or level of service as the larger areas, then the smaller areas should NOT pay the same rates as those areas that would get preferred treatment. PERIOD...
This is not an argument, this is black and white. Please don't justify and make excuses for stupidity. It only makes you look ignorant.

Becki Hager

11:24 am on Friday, November 9, 2012

Marcy, what street are you on? We're east of the traffic circle on St Lawrence Blvd. We're currently in Pennsylvania and want to high-tail it back to Brick as soon as we know the power's back on.

Reply

Marcy Lipka

12:17 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Becki-I'm on Pacific Ocean dr.

Reply

Gordon24

1:31 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

I live on Green Island in Toms River right across the bay from all of you (by Silverton). Power is restored up to about 1/2 mile West of us. We have not had any power for 12 days as well. I have yet to see a truck out by us. My neighbor called the other day and was told that we are considered a "barrier island" and will be one of the last 10% to get power. They said it could be up to 6 more weeks. If we are considered a "barrier island," I would think you are the same. There are many damaged water-front homes where we are but there are a few of us fully operational. I feel that we have been forgotton about as well. I have two little kids and enough is enough!

Reply

K.G.

2:21 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

I live in the Baywood section past the marina. All I want is my power to come back on so I can start getting my house and life back together...Enough is enough!!!

Reply

lisa

2:37 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Ok so I also live in shore acres and have been on the phone all morning with the township and jcpl. The township is blaming it on jcpl and jcpl is blaming it on the township. Now as for the town they said jcpl just told them last night that they want the houses inspected. There reply to me was they put a call into the state for additional inspectors because they don't have enough. They are waiting for a call back. Depending on the amount of inspectors they send as to how fast they can get it done and back on. If we in shore acres don't see them out here tomorrow then my guess is we will not have electric until tues or wednesday. This is my opinion. I can not get to the truth, but the only thing I know is when I spoke to the girl at jcpl she dug and kept digging until she found the last update. I want to email governor Chris Christy and if anyone knows the email please let me know. Thanks

Reply

Keith

3:02 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

The technical side of the story for those who don't know how the electrical grid works. Most if not all of the power line and pole replacement work is done in Brick. If transformers are damaged they can take a little while to get. They just don't have large numbers of transformers laying around because of the immense cost (mostly due to the large amount of copper in them). Understand JCP&L just wont flip the switch to power on the neighborhoods that are hit the worst. That would only cause fires and more outages. There has to be a house to house inspection in the worst areas. The electrical grid is just that, a grid. If you have no damage at all and you happen to be on the same grid point as the heavily damaged houses your going to be waiting longer for your power to come on. In those cases you wont see electrical crews in your area because the lines are not down and the poles are not broken, the houses that flooded with salt water cannot be turned on. Now who does those inspections (the town or JCP&L) I don't know. I can tell you some people wont see power until after thanksgiving.

Reply

MOONPOOL

6:28 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

take your skirts off and learn how to take care of your self and your family! its not the place of the goverment to supply you with power! yes we had a huge mother nature smack in the face. get over it ! there are people with out a home or roof over there heads.

thank god my grandfather and father tought me how to survive a catastropic event.

now my daughters know how to also! As i stated to them when the wind was blowing 70 plus knots. we are on our own for at least a week!

wake up people it will be weeks before you see any change! learn to stand on your own two feet!

Reply
Comment_arrow

Tarkus

7:26 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

@MOONPIE, you sir, are an insensitive ass. Please go out side and grab hold of a power line.

Russ

6:53 pm on Friday, November 9, 2012

Wow, what a lot of correspondence regarding "preferential" treatment. Instead of spending time blasting each other via the internet, I suggest that it would be more productive, and solve some issues, to join in the cleanup effort.

That's what I would do if I was there (but I'm in Chicago). I'm just trying to check on my 2 girls who live with their mother in Barnegat. There's been no response from them. Does anyone know the conditions on 45 Barnegat Blvd in Barnegat? Are the homes intact?

Reply

Ruthie

8:50 am on Saturday, November 10, 2012

Electricity is one thing. Gas is another. Just worried about the pipes freezing without a working heating system. Anyone have updates as of yesterday on gas shut offs for Baywood (Valencia Drive). What we're told is that we need to have meters replaced. Have they actually done that for anyone in the area?

Reply

Leave a comment

 

The Brick Patch
Valentine's Shopping Guide

See the full guide!

Patch Picks