Pay The Customers

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To The Editor:
The president of JCP&L was interviewed in the Asbury Park Press* regarding his company’s response to the action taken by JCP&L during Hurricane Irene. In part, Mr. Lynch said that the state of New Jersey gave its residents advance warning of the coming hurricane and (told them) to prepare. It appears this warning was not heeded by JCP&L, as they were unprepared, to say the least. People throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County and numerous other places were devastated by power outages resulting in loss of refrigerated food and frozen food. Note, many are senior citizens on fixed incomes. If that’s not enough, (they also experienced) flooded basements and loss of contents. Mr. Lynch stated this was an act of nature. “We’re not responsible.” Horsefeathers.
Also mentioned, (thousands of) customers had power back in 48 hours. Wrong. More like five 24-hour days. No response to calls or a damned recording. No trucks, no crews, no electric. As a utility you provide a service. It’s your responsibility for the losses so “act of nature” is a high priced copout. JCP&L, pay the customers for their losses either by check or rate credit.
First Energy can well afford to do this.
Those who read this, write for what is right: Mr. D. Lynch, President, JCP&L, 331 Newman Springs Road Red Bank, N.J. 07701 or call 732-212-4102.
Bob Lotsch
Belford