When one of the harshest winter storms in more than three decades swept across New Jersey, it delivered far more than snowfall. The system brought whiteout conditions, historic snow totals, and powerful winds that pushed communities to their limits. Winter Storm Hernando arrived quickly and with force.
Within hours, neighborhoods were blanketed with two to three feet of snow. Wind gusts reaching 50 mph broke limbs, felled trees, and led to widespread outages. Schools and businesses shut their doors. Roads became impassable. Transportation ground to a halt.
It was a storm unlike anything the state had experienced in years — and precisely the type of challenge we train for.
Being Jersey Ready isn’t just a tagline. It defines how we respond, especially when circumstances are at their most difficult.
Ready to Act Within hours, neighborhoods were blanketed with two to three feet of snow. Wind gusts reaching 50 mph broke limbs, felled trees, and led to widespread outages. Schools and businesses shut their doors. Roads became impassable. Transportation ground to a halt.
It was a storm unlike anything the state had experienced in years — and precisely the type of challenge we train for.
Being Jersey Ready isn’t just a tagline. It defines how we respond, especially when circumstances are at their most difficult.
More than 3,000 team members mobilized throughout our service area, working nonstop in freezing temperatures and heavy snow.
That workforce included over 1,150 line technicians, 400 tree crews, 472 mutual aid contractors, and hundreds of additional field personnel united by one goal: restoring service safely and as swiftly as possible.
During the storm, our teams:
Restored electricity to 56,800 customers, bringing warmth, light, and connectivity back to homes. Addressed 1,259 no-heat calls, recognizing that heat loss in winter is an urgent issue. Responded to 327 gas emergency calls, because safety remains a top priority in any condition. That workforce included over 1,150 line technicians, 400 tree crews, 472 mutual aid contractors, and hundreds of additional field personnel united by one goal: restoring service safely and as swiftly as possible.
During the storm, our teams:
All of this unfolded as the storm rapidly intensified over a 24-hour period.
Before repairs could even start, crews had to dig out snow-covered infrastructure and create safe access routes through deep drifts just to reach poles, wires, and underground equipment. It was demanding work in extreme conditions — the very scenarios our teams prepare for year-round.
As restoration progressed steadily, we were able to release mutual aid partners to support neighboring utilities continuing their recovery efforts across the region.
At the same time, we remained in close communication with customers — answering nearly 13,000 calls within seconds and issuing more than 200,000 proactive outage alerts. Additionally, 7,900 customers reported outages through our service channels, including text messaging and our mobile app.
When severe weather strikes, we act — and we keep you informed every step of the way.
Built on Preparation Before repairs could even start, crews had to dig out snow-covered infrastructure and create safe access routes through deep drifts just to reach poles, wires, and underground equipment. It was demanding work in extreme conditions — the very scenarios our teams prepare for year-round.
As restoration progressed steadily, we were able to release mutual aid partners to support neighboring utilities continuing their recovery efforts across the region.
At the same time, we remained in close communication with customers — answering nearly 13,000 calls within seconds and issuing more than 200,000 proactive outage alerts. Additionally, 7,900 customers reported outages through our service channels, including text messaging and our mobile app.
When severe weather strikes, we act — and we keep you informed every step of the way.
Outcomes like these are the result of years of investment and planning. For more than a decade, we’ve reinforced and modernized our electric and gas infrastructure to better withstand extreme conditions — whether it’s a January blizzard or a summer heatwave.
Our preparedness efforts include:
Ongoing proactive tree trimming to minimize storm-related outages. Routine storm simulations and emergency response drills. Detailed post-event reviews to continuously improve performance. Our preparedness efforts include:
These initiatives represent just part of the work happening behind the scenes each day to strengthen and protect our systems.
This winter alone has brought multiple storms and prolonged stretches of dangerous cold. Yet no matter how persistent the weather, the commitment of our Jersey Ready workforce remains unwavering.
These are local professionals serving their own communities — people who live here, raise families here, and take pride in keeping neighbors safe and connected.
That resilience reflects the spirit New Jersey is known for, and we’re proud to stand alongside it.
Working Together This winter alone has brought multiple storms and prolonged stretches of dangerous cold. Yet no matter how persistent the weather, the commitment of our Jersey Ready workforce remains unwavering.
These are local professionals serving their own communities — people who live here, raise families here, and take pride in keeping neighbors safe and connected.
That resilience reflects the spirit New Jersey is known for, and we’re proud to stand alongside it.
Storm response is never accomplished alone. During Hernando, we partnered closely with state and municipal officials to coordinate snow removal and ensure safe access to impacted areas so crews could perform their work efficiently.
Severe weather underscores how interconnected we all are — utilities, local governments, first responders, and residents working together to recover and move forward.
Thank You, New Jersey Severe weather underscores how interconnected we all are — utilities, local governments, first responders, and residents working together to recover and move forward.
We understand how disruptive and stressful it is to lose power or heat — especially in freezing temperatures. We appreciate your patience and your engagement with us throughout the storm.
When the next winter system heads toward New Jersey, you can count on us to remain steady, prepared, and Jersey Ready.
When the next winter system heads toward New Jersey, you can count on us to remain steady, prepared, and Jersey Ready.