Power Problem in Livingston and East Hanover Damages Electric Appliances

The Livingston fire department was extremely busy Monday morning responding to multiple emergency calls in the township following a power problem.

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Francione said the department responded to a total of 61 emergency calls between 3:10 a.m. to 5:20 a.m. after residents called and complained of smoke and a burning odor emanating from their homes.

The complaints came from homes west of Route 10 by the East Hanover border and the power problem damaged TVs, computers, electric ovens and electrical outlets, Francione said. The traffic lights by the Livingston Circle on Mount Pleasant Avenue changed to flashing mode.

There were no injuries reported, Francione said. 

Jersey Central Power & Light spokesman Ron Morano said the company experienced an equipment failure at a Livingston substation around 3:30 a.m. and while there was no power outage, electric customers in Livingston and East Hanover experienced voltage fluctuations. 

The problem was fixed at 4:15 a.m., Morano said. The cause of the failure is still under investigation.

Jersey Central Power & Light customers with questions about the failure may call (800) 662-3115.