State Seeks Input From Residents on JCP&L Response

Hopatcong residents will have the chance to tell state officials what it was like to be without power for two weeks following Hurricane Sandy when the Board of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Dec. 18.

The hearing will held at the gymnasium at Hopatcong Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m.

Mayor Sylvia Petillo said at last week's council meeting that the meeting is for residents who live in the JCP&L service area. The entire borough was without power in the week after Sandy, and didn't get fully restored until two weeks later.

A BPU announcement about the hearing said the purpose is to “solicit public comments regarding the state of preparedness and responsiveness of the electric distribution companies prior to, during and after Hurricane Sandy.”

Preference for speaking slots will be given to customers of the specific service area, the notice said.

More such public hearings are planned for 2013, the agency said.

Written comments may also be submitted via email to: board.secretary@bou.state.nj.us. Or by mail to: Kristi Izzo, Secretary of the Board, Board of Public Utilities, 44 South Clinton Ave., 9th Floor, P.O. Box 350, Trenton, NJ 08625-0350.

Written comments should reference Docket Number EO12111050 in the “subject” area of emails, or in  the heading of a letter.

The written comments will be accepted until Jan. 31.