As of 2 pm on Wednesday, approximately 908,000 utility customers remain without power statewide, down from a peak of 1.4 million yesterday. More than 2,000 out of state crews are helping our utilities restore electricity. This includes crews from Canada, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Washington, D.C. and many Midwestern states.
The state’s transmission system was damaged considerably yesterday. Additionally, poles and wires came down with fallen trees a major culprit. Therefore, the distribution system must first be repaired before the poles and wires can be repaired. BPU is in constant contact with the utilities concerning the repair work ensuring it is completed as expeditiously as possible.
Unfortunately, complete power restoration will take some time. It is hoped by late Friday night 80% of customers will have their power back. The remaining 20% could take until the end of the weekend because those cases are more isolated and, therefore, will take more time.