Ocean County Leader

Ocean County officials are urging Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L) to improve its service accountability due to increased power outages and capacity issues that may hinder business development. Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, recently met with JCP&L's new president. "I am cautiously optimistic that we have their attention," Sadeghi stated, also mentioning a potential $1 billion lawsuit for damages if improvements aren't made.

Capacity problems could delay office building developments in Lakewood, Jackson, and Manchester townships. "Business owners could be waiting for a few years to build a new office complex as a result of this," said Sadeghi. He emphasized that these issues negatively impact the county and its municipalities.

Power outages lasting several hours have disrupted residents' lives, particularly affecting the large senior citizen population who depend on electricity for medical needs. "Our residents rely on electricity for medical needs including oxygen and to keep their heat on during the winter," Sadeghi explained.

Sadeghi seeks ongoing dialogue with JCP&L's leadership and desires concrete milestones from these discussions. He expressed concern about possible disconnects between JCP&L and its Ohio-based parent company, First Energy. "I want dates of when we can expect upgrades and when the work will be finished," he said, calling for regular meetings and monthly updates.

Sadeghi concluded by emphasizing the basic need for reliable utility services: "We all rely on the utility companies if for nothing else for our basic needs... We pay for this. They need to do better."