MORRISTOWN, N.J., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has restored power to nearly 1.1 of the 1.2 million customers who lost power from last week's Hurricane Sandy.  More than 9,700 professionals, including 4,800 linemen and 1,500 forestry workers, continue around-the-clock efforts to restore service to customers as efficiently and safely as possible.

JCP&L's best forecast is that the remaining 177,000 customers will be restored by Saturday, November 10.  There may be isolated pockets of customers located in inaccessible areas or who have individual flooding or downed line issues that will take longer.   

For restoration estimates by community, visit: www.firstenergycorp.com/storminfo.

"Hurricane Sandy inflicted wide-reaching and unprecedented damage across our state, and we're focused on completing the largest storm restoration effort in our company's history," said Don Lynch, President, JCP&L.  "Every available resource from within FirstEnergy and from outside companies is engaged in our solid plan to restore service to the vast majority of our customers by this weekend."

In parallel with restoration activities, JCP&L is prepared for a nor'easter that is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to the area today.  Crews already in place will continue to work through the storm as safety permits.

"At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on the new nor'easter that could potentially hamper our restoration efforts and even cause some new outages later today," said Lynch.  "While the impact of the nor'easter is not anticipated to approach that of Hurricane Sandy, we encourage customers to remain prepared for the possibility of power interruptions.  As weather allows, we will continue our efforts to restore all customers as soon as possible, even through the storm."

JCP&L is completing restoration to police and fire departments, water and sewage treatment plants, hospitals, schools, and gas stations.  Many of these priority customers require extensive repairs to connect.  For customers still without power, JCP&L set up charging stations for cell phones and tablet computers at locations where free ice and water also are being distributed.  For more information, go to www.firstenergycorp.com/storminfo.

As debris from the storm is being cleared, customers are cautioned never to touch downed lines.  Customers should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity and are reminded to keep children and pets away from them.  Downed wires should be reported immediately to your electric company or local police or fire department.  Customers should never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines because they could conduct electricity.  They should wait for emergency services or utility crews to arrive.

To report an outage, customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).  If power has been restored to your neighbors, but your power remains out, be sure to report your outage.  The issue could be isolated to your home and require further repairs.

Customers are reminded to stay clear of crews as they assess damage and repair equipment.  By allowing crews to work, the restoration of power will be faster and people will remain safe.  Customers are reminded that even if they do not see crews working in their neighborhood, work could be under way at a nearby substation or other location that serves the neighborhood.

Customers with mobile devices can obtain updated information on current outages, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe. Customers are urged to visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages. Or follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L and Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL for the latest information.

To ensure the safety of the home's occupants as well as that of utility company employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician.  When operating a generator, always disconnect the power coming into your home.  Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back onto the utility company lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE).  JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.  Its generation subsidiaries control more than 20,000 megawatts of capacity from a diversified mix of scrubbed coal, non-emitting nuclear, natural gas, hydro, pumped-storage hydro and other renewables. 

Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.