Kean Demands Answers Regarding Prolonged Power Outages

(July 7, 2026) LEBANON BOROUGH, N.J. - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) sent a letter to the Presidents of PSE&G and JCP&L demanding answers regarding the prolonged power outages that occurred over the weekend across New Jersey.

In his letter, Congressman Kean called for the power companies to explain why the power restoration has taken so long, what preparations were made in advance of the heat wave and severe weather, and how they plan to mitigate the effects of these events in the future.

Due to severe thunderstorms over the weekend, trees and branches fell, flood warnings were issued, temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, and widespread power outages occurred, creating dangerous situations for many families and businesses. The consequences of the heat wave and storms caused 29 fatalities.

Congressman Kean wrote, "New Jerseyans are shouldering an increasingly unsustainable financial burden from rising electric costs - facing a nearly 79% increase over the last 20 years with a 16.9% increase between 2024 and 2025 alone - yet New Jersey's power grid continues to fail miserably. The people of New Jersey deserve reliable power at affordable prices. On behalf of the thousands who endured lengthy outages, I ask that you immediately take action to remedy these failures."

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Kean has supported legislation like the GRID Power Act, which would help maintain grid reliability during capacity shortages and expand availability of dependable, always-on power for New Jersey households. With eight NJ power plants closing over the past decade, Congressman Kean believes that it is critical to give greater flexibility to prioritize the most reliable energy projects so New Jersey businesses and households can access affordable, dependable, and resilient energy.

Read the full letter below and HERE:

Dear PSE&G President Hanemann and JCP&L President Mokoid:

I am writing on behalf of the constituents of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, and all New Jersey families and businesses harmed by the widespread and prolonged power outages, to demand answers.

During this period of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms, many of my constituents have been or are without power for extended durations, beginning as early as Thursday, July 2nd and continuing through Tuesday, July 7th. Public reporting indicates that power may not be restored until Wednesday, July 8th or Thursday, July 9th. Families - including seniors, the ill, and those with small children - were without air conditioning for days in deadly heat, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. Food spoiled, medical equipment failed, and businesses were forced to close during the holiday weekend. These outages are wreaking havoc on public health and safety. Tragically, this crisis caused 29 fatalities across the state amid the heat wave and storms.

Since Thursday, I have received numerous calls from constituents in rural areas, where power outages instantly halted their water supply. Thousands have been unable to access drinking water from their faucets, cook, bathe, etc. in the scorching heat, all while being unable to leave their houses due to the danger of flood warnings and falling trees.

Additionally, for the majority of New Jerseyans without landlines, the inability to charge their devices or access the internet completely isolates them from communicating with the outside world or report their own outages. This was unacceptable in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy and is even more unacceptable now. In light of this, I request that you provide answers to the following questions:

1. In detail, please explain exactly what went wrong.
2. Why is restoration taking as long as it is in certain areas?
3. What, if any, warnings or preparations did your companies make in advance of the forecasted storms and heat?
4. What steps have JCP&L and PSE&G previously taken to strengthen the grid's resilience against extreme weather events, and what steps will they take moving forward to prevent similar outages?
5. What communication and cooperation did you receive from New Jersey government agencies and leadership to prepare for and respond to this crisis?

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