Above: Gottheimer hosted a coordination call today with PSE&G and local officials.

GLEN ROCK, NJ – On September 21, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a coordination call with representatives from PSE&G and local elected officials to discuss the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias and how storm response, preparedness, and communication could be improved.  

Tropical Storm Isaias left more than 124,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey without power in total. PSE&G had 54,261 customers out at their peak. After the storm, PSE&G announced the reimbursement of damages or losses to commercial and residential customers and also set up a “customer comfort” center in Paramus so customers could pick up free water and ice. 

“As we navigate the tropical storm season and the winter, our entire community needs to continue to come together to make sure we’re prepared. Many storms in the past have been devastating, and, as we’ll discuss today, there are clear steps that need to be taken to better protect our families and communities, especially as we simultaneously fight a pandemic,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “We are here today to continue a conversation and make sure we are able to be responsive, make improvements, and ensure people have their power restored quickly during these storms. I want to thank PSE&G and our local elected officials for joining today so that we can continue to have productive conversations on storm responsiveness.

Gottheimer continued, “As always, North Jersey thanks the many lineworkers and other frontline public service workers who are continuing to work to address the aftermath of this storm.”

Gottheimer was joined on the call by Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio, Bogota Mayor Chris Kelemen, Glen Rock Mayor Kristine Morieko, Haworth Mayor Tom Ference, Teaneck Mayor Jim Dunleavy, New Milford Council President Ira Grotsky, Mahwah Councilmember Rob Hermansen, Wyckoff Mayor Tim Shanley, and Michael Brairton, Senior Director of Federal Affairs at PSE&G, Dave Hollenbeck, Senior Regional Public Affairs Manager; Ed Pereira, Senior Director, Electric T&D Operations Manager, Palisades District; and Fred Daum, Executive Director, Customer Operations. 

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