Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) Customer Service Issues

A tree hit a pole, causing JCP&L to move high voltage wires close to my gutters. Dealing with Verizon and Optimum's low voltage wires has been a constant battle, each company denying responsibility. I hired professionals to clear all trees near the power lines, following claims that wire movement was impossible due to tree proximity and my responsibility. Now, a neighbor's fallen tree damaged the lines and pole, with free tree removal. JCP&L then moved their power lines dangerously close to my gutters. Feeling frustrated and unsafe, I am considering legal action against all companies involved. The power company should have taken measures to prevent wires from encroaching on my property. Cleaning the gutters now poses a risk due to the close proximity of the high voltage lines.

I am facing issues with an unauthorized account name change, a missing $[redacted] public assistance credit, and not being able to access my account through the app. Despite escalating the call to Resolution Specialist Kim, I felt uneasy about their claimed ability to change the address without proper verification. After lodging a complaint with the BPU last Friday due to a negative interaction with JCP&L, I have received only an electronic confirmation without a helpful response. I need this matter resolved promptly and my account secured to prevent future occurrences.

I am the office manager for Dr. Dugo at 20 Cherry Tree Farm Rd, Middletown, NJ. Our phone number is [redacted]. Two days ago, the lights in our office started flashing, and a passerby mentioned seeing an arc from the side of the building. After bringing in an electrician, it was discovered that the issue originated outside the building. JCPL came and changed the wires outside. This incident has resulted in significant costs for Dr. Dugo, including blown lights, fuses, copier machine repairs, spoiled fridge contents, bathroom exhaust fan damage, computer issues, and cancellation of patient appointments. Dr. Dugo is seeking information on potential compensation from JCPL for the inconvenience and financial losses incurred. We had the electrician on-site until late in the evening waiting for JCPL, who initially mentioned an expected time of 10:00 PM but later could not provide a specific time. Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Barbara.

Dear Sir, I am writing to address concerns regarding the electricity bills for the property since JCPL installed the meter. Despite the property being unoccupied, I received a bill for $67.89 claiming [redacted] KWH usage from 9/11/18-10/10/18. This seems excessive considering the property only uses minimal electricity, primarily one light bulb in the garage. The light is left on to address neighbors' concerns about darkness on Lyons Avenue. I request JCPL to investigate the meter readings, conduct a physical inspection, and check for any unauthorized electrical connections. Your prompt attention to resolve this billing discrepancy will be highly appreciated. Thank you, Maher F.

I have been in touch with JCP NL for the last 20 days. I have supplied all the necessary information and hand-delivered the required documents to the Morristown office. I have been consistently calling over these past 20 days, speaking with about 20 to 25 different representatives. I have been put on hold for over 40 minutes each time. As of today, there has been no follow-up regarding my issues, and my service at 87 Route 23 N. Hamburg, New Jersey, under account number [redacted] has not been restored. Unfortunately, I have found the company to be unprofessional and unresponsive. I own a [redacted] square-foot building that has been without electricity for 30 days. You can reach me at [redacted].

During the power outage on Sunday, October 27 in Summit and New Providence, NJ, three transformers blew up. Once power was back, I noticed the main breakers tripped. After resetting them, the house seemed fine until I discovered a dark room in the basement on October 29. Upon inspection, I found some branch circuit breakers, including the one for the air conditioning, had tripped. When I tried turning them back on, the air conditioning breaker caused a flash and a bang, tripping off the breakers. Due to a previous issue with JCP&L on Kent Place Boulevard, Summit, we had to install a new power panel. We now require assistance again. Please contact me at my iPhone number [redacted]. - Bruce H.

I had two maintenance crews from JCP&L visit my home to address power fluctuations on 16 November [redacted] and again on 23 December [redacted]. The November crew overlooked a dangerously deteriorated connection point to my home, which was later identified by my personal electrician. He found burned rubberized tape on the hot leads and a corroded ground wire. When the wind blew, the service to my home fluctuated. I had to stop my electrician's work and involve a second JCP&L crew on 23 December [redacted]. They promptly fixed the issue. I paid $[redacted].00 for the diagnostics my electrician performed, which should have been evident to the initial crew. I've sought reimbursement from Mr. Alex Patton, VP Operations at JCP&L in a letter dated 28 December [redacted], but have not received a response yet. I am still awaiting a reply regarding my reimbursement request.

I am Mike P., the President of Warren County Building Trades. I have been involved in the Bridge Point 78 project in Phillipsburg with Bridge Development, a 4,[redacted],[redacted] square feet unionized site. In December [redacted], discussions began with JCPL about the necessary substation. A payment of $1,[redacted],[redacted] was made to JCP&L in May [redacted] for the substation's design and construction. Despite a verbal assurance from JCP&L that the substation would be energized by December [redacted], issues have arisen. The underground design remains incomplete, and work has not yet commenced on the substation. The transformer is scheduled to arrive on March 15, [redacted], but the urgent power needs for Buildings 5 and 3 in April and May are looming. It is crucial to address these delays promptly to avoid potential complications.

I reside in a multi-dwelling building in a one-bedroom apartment without major appliances. Despite my minimal energy use habits, my kilowatt usage seems excessive. I work weekdays, returning home at 6 p.m., rarely using the oven or watching TV. I diligently turn off all electrical items in the morning, leaving only a nightlight on. Even my heating is off. Frustratingly, my efforts have not decreased my electricity consumption, leading me to contact Central Jersey Power repeatedly. Unfortunately, I faced rudeness from representatives and unhelpful suggestions due to inaccessible circuit breakers located in a locked area belonging to the landlord. Observing the meter persistently moving, unlike other tenants' usage, I have substantiating video evidence. How can I proceed with requesting a thorough field investigation into this energy discrepancy?

On 1/30/20, our neighborhood experienced another unexplained power outage lasting from 12am to 4am. Despite clear weather conditions with no wind, rain, ice, or snow at 25F deg, the outage occurred. Living approximately 600ft above Raritan township/Flemington, it was evident that only our area was affected. These repeated outages, even during the day, remain a concern. I am seeking clarification before escalating the matter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

On March 12, [redacted], the power line to my home was reattached to the pole, but it was hung too low. Over time, it has sagged even further and is now touching an iron pipe in my deck roof assembly. I worry that the friction could damage the power line's insulation, posing a safety risk. I have contacted JCP&L to address this issue, but I have not received a response yet. This situation is potentially dangerous and needs to be fixed promptly.

On August 18, [redacted], my tree was severely damaged during a branch trimming near power lines. Despite reaching out to Adam Gonzalez from Asplundh at [redacted], who was overseeing the operation, he failed to follow through on his promise to visit on 8/19 and has been unresponsive to my calls since. After contacting customer service at [redacted], an agent assured me that someone from Forestry would reach out within two days, but no one did. I am concerned about the cost of rectifying the tree damage, especially since the initial work was stated to be "at no expense to me." I would appreciate a prompt visit and discussion regarding this matter this week due to my upcoming absence from 9/6 to 9/20. My property's appearance has been negatively affected, and I hope to have this addressed soon. Thank you, Gayla R. [redacted] Driscol Drive Brick, NJ [redacted]

Subject: Urgent Repair Needed for Street Light Fixture at Woodland Ave Hello, I am writing to bring to your attention the urgent need for the repair of a street light fixture on Woodland Ave in Laurence Harbor. I contacted your office on 8/17 and spoke with either Jessica or Samantha about this issue. I was informed that a crew would be dispatched to the area within a day or two. Unfortunately, while a crew truck with a bucket did arrive at the location of the light fixture between residences [redacted] and [redacted], there was no repair done despite the crew being present for several hours. The identification number on the pole that requires repair is JC15920. The fixture was damaged during Hurricane Isaias nearly a month ago. As a woman who frequently works late hours, I am growing concerned about my safety in the dark due to this malfunctioning light. Could you please provide an update on when this issue will be resolved? Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, V. Baran

I am reaching out regarding a concern at 8 Stonehenge Rd in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Ferdinando Torres from N.G. Gilbert Tree Service visited in August [redacted] to discuss tree trimming in the area. We identified hazardous trees overhanging wires, which were pink tagged for removal. The town's Arborist deemed them dangerous and supported their removal. Despite previous assessments, only one tree has been partially removed, and the promised return has not happened over 30 days later. With our history of power outages due to fallen trees, I am eager for the crew's return before winter sets in. It is vital for my peace of mind. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Stefan K. 8 Stonehenge Rd Lake Hopatcong, NJ [redacted]

As a tenant, I have a concern about my landlord's electric budget plan. She mentioned this month's electric bill being higher and requesting additional payment from me. I pay $1,[redacted].00, which covers rent, water, and electric. Could someone provide insight into the average electric cost on the budget plan and inform me of this month's bill amount? The property details are 31 Pompton Plains Drive, Brick, NJ [redacted], owned by Elizabeth and Jim Barry. Thank you.

I am experiencing issues with my circuit breaker as half of my house is currently without power. I was informed that someone would come to assess the situation, but all I received was a phone call inquiring about the restoration of service. I prefer speaking to a live person rather than dealing with automated systems, which took me ten minutes to navigate. My concern lies with the internal wiring of my house, not external factors like downed wires or poles. I would appreciate confirmation if a technician is scheduled to visit. Thank you. Carol W. at [redacted] Westwood Drive, Toms River, NJ.

On Friday afternoon, 1/29/21, your personnel removed the electric meter box from the side of my house, leaving it without heat in freezing temperatures. I have been attempting to have it turned back on since then. I was assured a technician would contact me and come out yesterday, but there was no call or visit. Today is Tuesday, blizzard conditions, and I cannot reach anyone to restore the power. Despite spending a considerable amount of time on hold and speaking to your courteous customer service representatives, the power is still off. I have been receiving automated calls from your company every couple of hours following Friday, even after speaking with a technician in person. However, when I call back, no one recognizes me as a customer or the issue that has been persisting. An electrician has assessed and approved turning the power back on, but we require your waiver sheet to proceed. We were informed the technician would bring it along yesterday, but they did not arrive or notify us despite waiting until three. It is unreasonable to expect these professionals to remain on-site for days while waiting for your resolution. This is not an acceptable way to treat a customer.

Hello, my name is Tom Plunkett, and I work for Spiros Vlahos, who owns several real estate companies. I have been involved in renovations and new home building in Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties. Over the past 15 years, I have worked with various JCP&L Engineers like Germann Salazar, Bathann, and Tammy Kacinski. Currently, I am dealing with a renovation project at [redacted] Bowman Rd. in Jackson TWP, NJ. John D’Alessio has requested several documents and communications, which is new to me since November. I am seeking assistance from a manager regarding this matter. I can be reached at [redacted]. I believe I might be facing difficulties due to a complaint I raised about a Transformer replacement at this address in the fall of [redacted]. Please contact me in the next two days to discuss this matter further. Thank you, Tom Plunkett.

Subject: Urgent Street Light Issue at Vernon Valley Karate Academy Dear JCP&L Representative, I am writing to urgently address a safety concern at my business, Vernon Valley Karate Academy, located at 5D Theta Drive in Vernon, NJ. There are two street lamps near my business, one with a broken globe and the other completely out, causing a hazardous condition during our evening hours of operation from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This lack of proper lighting puts our students at risk as they navigate to and from the facility, particularly when they are being picked up or dropped off by cars. I kindly request immediate attention to this matter to ensure the safety of the children in our care. For any further communication, please reach out to me at [redacted] or [redacted]. Thank you for your prompt assistance. Sincerely, Thomas Shull Vernon Valley Karate Academy 5D Theta Drive Vernon, NJ [redacted]

Dear JCP&L Representative, I am the owner of Vernon Valley Karate Academy situated at 5 Theta Drive in Vernon, NJ. I am concerned about the safety of my students who come and go from my business in the evening hours between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm, especially now that it is dark outside. There are two street lamps next to my business, but one is dim with a broken globe and the other is not working at all. This lack of lighting creates a hazardous situation as children struggle to find their way to their parent's cars safely. I kindly request that you address this issue promptly to ensure the safety of the children. For any further communication, please reach me at [redacted] or [redacted]. Thank you, Thomas Shull Vernon Valley Karate Academy 5D Theta Drive Vernon, NJ [redacted]