New Jersey Tells PSE&G To Cease Power Shutoffs

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities has told the state's biggest power company to stop shutting off power to people behind on their bills.

The state found PSE&G was stopping service to customers without giving the required notice.

Utilities were not allowed to turn off power for nonpayment during the winter, but that moratorium expired Tuesday.

BPU spokesman Greg Reinert said regulators discovered Wednesday that the power company had begun turning power off soon after the moratorium ended. But he said the company only sent warnings in bills, not the detailed shutoff notices required by law.

Reinert said about 750 customers were affected, and most of them had power restored by Friday afternoon. The utility was waiving reconnection charges.

A PSE&G spokesman didn't immediately return a message seeking comment.

SOUND-OFF: Do you think utility companies should be able to shut off power to people behind on their bills?  Is it ethical?  Should the state intervene?

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