Business & Tech
Power Surge Damage? File a Claim with JCP&L
Still no explanation of cause of surge that affected parts of Point Boro
Were any of your home appliances, surge protectors, circuit breakers, computers, equipment or food affected by last Thursday's power surge in Point Borough?
If you haven't done so already, call 1-800-662-3115 to file a claim for the value of the damage. JCP&L will investigate and compensate if they find the loss was due to a JCP&L defect or malfunction.
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So far, no word from the company on what caused the power surge that fried everything from refrigerators to computer equipment and sent firefighters running from one call to another for hours in parts of the Borough.
Ron Morano, a JCP&L spokesperson, said late Monday afternoon that the utility company is still investigating the cause of the surge and will release further information when a determination has been made.
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The surge tripped fire alarms, fried surge protectors and created a burning smell in a number of homes across the Borough, according to the Borough Fire Department.
The surge did not cause any injuries, said Jonathan Miller, Borough Deputy Fire Chief.
Miller said about 20 Borough volunteer firefighters, and about 10 from Point Beach, responded to 62 calls between 2:30 and 5 p.m. and then five additional calls later in the evening as people returned home from work to find damaged equipment or a burning smell in their homes.
One resident told firefighters that the surge was like a bolt of lightning striking the house.
As firefighters responded to various homes and businesses, they inspected the electrical panels.
"Once we knew from the power company that there had been a power surge, we went right to the surge protectors and appliances in the homes," Miller said. "We recommended to the residents to get an electrician to make sure there are no hazards.
"A lot of people were trying to turn their breakers on while the surge protectors were still on," Miller noted. "So we were telling people to throw out the surge protectors and get new ones."
There were a few homes and businesses that had charring around the outlet, and they were told to call an electrician, Miller said.
Miller said he encourages residents to always call the fire department if there is any type of burning smell even in cases of a power surge.
"Always call us, don't assume it's the surge protector," he said.
Peter Johner, JCP&L's area manager for external affairs, had said on Friday that JCP&L had 50 calls about the power surge.
Johner had said he was going to contact Patch with additional information Friday afternoon, but never did and also could not be reached on Monday.
See this page on the JCP&L website for the number to call to file a claim, other phone numbers and
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