Many Residents Still in the Dark

Monday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m.

JCP&L are currently reporting 3,263 East Windsor customers without power, while 36 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 1 and 500 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 6 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

Mercer County spokeswoman Julie Wilmot said the county has heard today from several East Windsor residents who are still without power.

She said Mercer County is sympathetic to these residents’ plight and that of so many other people in Mercer County that are still in the dark.

According to Wilmot, Mercer County has been in contact with JCP&L through its representative onsite at Mercer County’s Emergency Operations Center.

She said the JCP&L representative has been unable to provide Mercer County with anything more than general information.

The County also has taken the extraordinary step of contacting individual BPU Board members to register its complaints, and the county has contacted JCP&L corporate offices, Wilmot said.

Wilmot will update Patch on any further information she receives from JCP&L.

Hightstown Engine Company #1 reported earlier today after speaking with some power crews that the crews are currently working on Hickory Corner Road and Lynnfield Drive. They also reported JCP&L are actively working at the substation on One Mile Road today.

Cranbury Township reports the following roads are still without power:

• Evans Drive/Brainerd Drive
• Park Avenue East and West
• Portions of Brickyard Road
• Limited households on Plainsboro Road
• Old Cranbury Road

Cranbury residents still without power and not listed above should contact the Cranbury non-emergency dispatch number at (609) 395-0031.

Sunday, Nov. 4, 10 p.m.

JCP&L are currently reporting 3,391 East Windsor customers without power, while 51 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 1 and 500 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 32 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

According to an alert, East Windsor officials continue communications with JCP&L representatives seeking East Windsor power outage status, current and planned actions, and progress and timelines. East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov reportedly participated in a conference call Sunday with Gov. Chris Christie and communications with other officials. 

JCP&L completed work on an Old York Road at Airport Road damaged line Sunday evening, resulting in power being restored to an estimated 1,000 customers. 

According to the alert, there were approximately two dozen JCP&L crews actively working on the western side of the township.

Some work progress has reportedly occurred around the One Mile Road service area and the Route 571 service area.

JCP&L continues not to provide the detailed and specific information requested by the township, the alert said.

“We will continue our active efforts to assist our community and will share information as received,” said the alert. “Thank you all for your understanding and, please, we will get through this.”

According to an alert from Hightstown Fire Department, the majority of JCP&L customers are expected to be restored by Wednesday, Nov. 7. Customers in the hardest-hit areas are expected to be restored throughout the following week.

The Hightstown Engine Company and the American Legion in Hightstown will host a reception center and shelter Monday for all Hightstown and East Windsor residents. The center will provide cots, water, food, a charging station, and a warm place to rest.

Township officials advise residents without electric service and no alternative source for heat to consider making arrangements to stay with friends or family. Those who have exhausted their options or know others who need assistance may contact the East Windsor Police Department, at (609) 448-5678 extension 0, to discuss other possible available assistance.

Both ice and water are still available for distribution at the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 at 69 Twin Rivers Drive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Residents may also continue to charge cell phones, smartphones, and PDA’s at this location.

East Windsor Township encourages all residents to be extra safe in celebrating Halloween on Monday, Nov. 5

The East Windsor K-5 Halloween Parades will not be held tomorrow. The parade may be rescheduled at a later time.

Additionally, at Cranbury School, Halloween festivities, including parties and a parade, will not take place on Monday. However, trick-or-treating will still take place in town.

East Windsor Township Municipal Court sessions scheduled for 9 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5 are cancelled due to lack of power in the Municipal Courtroom. All cases will be rescheduled and notices will be sent by regular mail. For additional information, contact 448-3228 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Editor's note: The article has been corrected to reflect that trick-or-treating will take place on Monday, Nov. 5 in Cranbury Township. There will be no party or parade at Cranbury School.