N.J. Board of Public Utilities Criticizes J.C.P. & L. Infrastructure Maintenance Programs

The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) criticized J.C.P.& L's infrastructure inspection and maintenance programs in relation to gas line explosions in Morristown. It will be interesting to see if the BPU launches an equally thorough investigation into JCP& L.'s failure to inspect and maintain their electrical service in New Jersey. While there has been a flurry of activity on the utility's part recently, after heavy criticism from Washington Township and other municipalities, there is no commitment to invest the amounts of money needed to upgrade their infrastructure. The BPU also needs to look deeply into whether the utility is getting a higher rate of return on their investment than envisioned by N.J. regulations. The BPU needs to take their responsibilities to the residents of NJ seriously, and ensure that JCP&L meets their responsibilities on a regular, sustained basis rather than just when they get caught failing to meet the requirements for reliable service. A meeting later this month between our legislators, BPU, area Mayors and JCP&L should provide some interesting information about their future plans to meet their responsibilities.