Is There a Streetlight Out?

Is There a Streetlight Out?

Streetlights are put up for convenience, safety and security. Whether it is on a public street or private lot, a streetlight or area light is there for a reason, is being paid for, and should be lit at night.

Streetlights are paid for by either the roadway "owner" (Town, County, State) or the property owner where the pole resides. Those in business know there is a separate charge on their bill for any street or area lights they have requested be put in place. This includes Townships and Counties - in other words - our tax dollars!! Doesn't matter whether they are are on or off, it is $x.xx per month for each light. Even if they are out - you pay!

Unfortunately, since there are numerous streetlights and area lights (like the ones in parking lots), it is really impossible for anyone to keep track of them all.  The days of the power company having a "night crew" designed to wander about checking for streetlight function inbetween emergencies are long gone.

This is where we can help.

There is a problem even if the light is not "out" A "blinking" streetlight (usually orange-ish, it will come on for a minute or two, then go out, repeatedly) usually means the bulb is bad. Conversely, a light that stays on all day long is not operating properly either.

OK. You've noticed there is a problem. What do you do??

Most, it not all, power companies have a phone number to call and/ or a Web access form just for this purpose. They work. I've reported a number of lights out and they have all been fixed in a reasonable amount of time.

In our Monmouth and Ocean County area, Jersey Central Power & Light ( a division of First Energy who owns power companies across the country) is our provider. JCP&L has a special web page to to report street light outages. Go to Jersey Central Power & Light's Streetlight Outage Webpage and fill out the form.

If you can get it, provide the pole number. While it's location and form does vary, the pole number is often printed on a metal tag attached to the pole.

If you'd like updates as to the progress of your report, provide your email address.

As you wander about the area, you're sure to notice some street lights out. Help both your fellow residents and the power company by making it known. Everyone will be safer and more secure for it!

If you have any questions or need help reporting a situation, please do not hesitate to contact me!