JCP&L has proactively shut down power to Barrier Islands

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) proactively shut down power to 25,000 customers on the barrier islands in Monmouth and Ocean counties to protect public safety around 6 p.m. today. These islands are under a mandatory evacuation order.

JCP&L de-energized substations serving the islands remotely, before high tide. With the severity of Hurricane Sandy, this is a necessary measure to protect equipment and speed up restoration efforts once the storm has passed.

Local officials and law enforcement were notified in advance and helped coordinate the timing to protect public safety.

For the storm, JCP&L now has 1,600 linemen and 1,200 forestry workers in the state to restore power. Crews have arrived from Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio.