Senator Steven Oroho, Assemblyman Parker Space and Assemblyman Hal Wirths (all R-24) released the following statement in response to Governor Murphy’s announcement that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) will take action to increase storm preparedness and shore up the infrastructure necessary to protect the public from prolonged power outages.

In light of the onslaught of winter storms this year and previously, the lawmakers have been vocal advocates for improving utility infrastructure to ensure residents do not have to spend days on end without power.

Oroho, Space and Wirths have also sponsored legislation to address this issue, such as strengthening penalties to hold utility companies accountable for lengthy outages; and legislation to remove bureaucratic hindrances enabling utility companies to engage in preventative tree trimming near power lines.

“We welcome the recommendations made by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities today and appreciate the Murphy Administration’s responsiveness on this issue,” the District 24 lawmakers said. “Thousands of local residents, including many of our constituents, were negatively impacted by this year’s winter storms and resulting power outages. While we applaud the diligence of the workers who spent days trying to get the power back on, there is no denying that much more could have been done to prevent these types of lengthy outages from occurring in the first place. At the very least, utility companies need an emergency action plan to ensure they are prepared when we are struck by violent storms. Today’s announcement is a solid step in the right direction. As vocal advocates for this cause, we look forward to working with the BPU and other interested parties to effectuate the infrastructure improvements necessary to keep the people of New Jersey safe.”