JCP&L Outage Info Available Through New App
Downloadable app comes after customers demand better communication following Superstorm Sandy.
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The parent company of Jersey Central Power and Light is touting its new mobile phone app, which the company says could be helpful during times of power outages.
The app launched by FirstEnergy Corp. is free for its customers in the five states the company's utilities serve, and offers quicker access to outage maps, simplified reporting of outages, and access to personal account information.
“Our new smartphone app and mobile website make it easier for our customers to stay in touch with us and conduct every-day transactions when they’re on the go, whether it’s reporting a power outage or paying a bill,” Ronald I. Green, vice president of Customer Service, said. “The new tools also make our simple and secure online bill payment programs even more convenient.”
The app also offers "click-to-call" for customer service and links to the company’s social media sites and the company's website.
Many New Jersey residents have been demanding better communication on power supply outages from the company, especially after Superstorm Sandy knocked power out for hundreds of thousands of residents for more than a week. The company was also directed to develop better communications by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities after 2011's Hurricane Irene also caused widespread and sustained power outages.
The mobile website is automatically enabled when customers use a smartphone to visit www.firstenergycorp.com. Apple iPhone and Android smartphone apps are available for each of FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies—customers can use the keyword "FirstEnergy" to locate the apps in the online store.
The company said the app and mobile website are part of FirstEnergy’s ongoing efforts to "enhance service to its utility customers." The company is also developing two-way text messaging and email alerts for outages for the apps.
Madison Station
8:41 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
And the 16,000 residents of Madison will still be reported as... "one customer without power."
yolanda
11:00 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Thank a veteran for his service to this great country!
Gobsmacked
11:29 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
YO, landa! Try to stay on topic, chica!
stewart resmer
4:33 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
thanks for the compliment yolanda, least we forget? hire a vet!
Deadone53
3:16 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
And for my friends that are lucky enough ( cough-cough ) to live in an area that is served by Jcp&L, their phones will become USELESS as they're constantly tring to get an update on the power outages but then become UNABLE to CHARGE THIER PHONES!!!
Liberty
9:35 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
They can use their car chargers, like most people.
Frazure
7:45 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I think First Energy/JCP&L missed the point. Although the proliferating the methods of communication is a good thing, accurate, regular and timely information is what has been lacking, regardless of the method of communication. Additionally,painfully brought to light following hurricane Sandy, regular periodic maintenance and updating of the infrastructure may minimize the system being brought to its knees every time a rain cloud passes over head.
jazzman
7:59 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
News flash the mayor has seen lights on down in the Gardens and has assured us all that power is back on in Hopatcong
NHM
6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
What about those of us who don't own a smartphone??
Liberty
9:50 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
NHM--you go to their website or township website. If you can charge a phone, you can charge an iPad or computer. Also, you can get OEM texts on any cell phone from Wash. Twp., they were extremely helpful and proliferate, and local, during Sandy.
JCPL & You - Perfect Together
8:18 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
It is hard to believe that in this great Democratic country of ours, we do not have a choice of who our electricity supplier is - this may be one of the last few monopolies left. Maybe, the infrastructure should be owned by the towns and leased to utility companies for their use and maintenance - that way when a utility is not performing up to expectations, the town would have more leverage to either enforce the lease terms or terminate the lease and find a new utility. I realize that this incrementally may cost us slightly more, but I gather most would be in favor if the lights and the heat stay on.
Paul Rust
1:04 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
You do have a choice of electricity supplier, but you don't have a choice of who owns the infrastructure ( the lines, substation etc. ) I pay JCP&L for the lines but I buy my electricity from Ambit Energy. There are many companies that sell electricity deliverable over JCP&L lines, and there rates are lower.
Liberty
9:44 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
We bought electricity from a different company than JCP&L, but switched back after several months. The other company quoted lower rates for electricity, but when added to the delivery cost, they were ultimately costlier. They also averaged the rate for the day, whereas JCP&L had On Peak and Off Peak rates. You really have to scrutinize the info before switching.
Steve
10:10 am on Friday, February 8, 2013
I switched suppliers from JCP&L, it is only the commodity charge, the delivery remains JCP&L and does not change if you change suppliers. Also I only have a flat rate meter, you would have to have different meter for peak and off peak rates. Since switching my bill has always been lower then if I paid JCP&L rate. On your bill you will see a rate to compare.
Liberty
2:38 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013
Steve--we did compare rates and that's why we initially switched companies. But we discovered all told, we were paying more and switched back. We don't have separate on and off peak meters, we have one meter and the on and off usage is on the bill. If your bill is lower-great-ours wasn't, it was more.
D Ambriano
10:53 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Yay! Let's do the same thing with cable!
CSS
12:55 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Nice regurgitation of the press release.
This is not what customers were demanding... Customers were demanding more local crews, more maintenance and upgrades to the system that dispatches workers to problem areas.
Wake me when they make an announcement about trimming trees or something...
D Ambriano
11:40 am on Monday, February 11, 2013
They are trimming trees by me...the same line they continue to trim, slash, and clear cut every other year that supplies the county (although they claim "every 4 years"). The local lines along Waughaw road, which haven't been touched in over 15 years, remain overgrown and dangerously "un" maintained. When the subject is broached, the answer is (as it has been for the past 15 years): "They're paying me to maintain THIS line, not that one."
BeachBum
8:59 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Expect high amounts of power outages from fri-sun for Hopatcong area
BillBalls
10:12 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
And people tell me we aren’t becoming 3rd world nation. Couldn’t even keep the power on during the Super Bowl, and you want power at the lake? Get real!
BillBalls
10:08 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
Don’t expect miracles. The death of JCP&L as a reliable utility company has taken a decade or two. A decade or two of greedy CEOs & CFOs, and a BPU more interested in RGGI and Windmills, than keeping tabs on this utility company. Even with an intensive effort, it will take years and years to reconstruct JCP&L into a reliable utility company again. Too bad we haven’t seen either JCP&L or the BPU, move towards that goal. However, we now have an App. That tells us out power is out! Oh Boy!
Steve
11:43 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013
No app for windows phone, the mobile web site was ok
Blecky HobNobbingGobStopper
7:40 am on Saturday, February 9, 2013
Money Money Greed Pilfer Steal ......funny? Most Millburn Twp. Residents should feel right at home dealing with JCP&L. Criminal is as criminal does!