UPDATE: Over 2K Residents Impacted by JCP&L Power Outage

An electrical fault on JCP&L's property in Forked River caused a local power outage and repairs ignited a fire on Oyster Creek Generating Station's property early this morning, plant spokesperson Suzanne D’Ambrosio said.

“Nothing plant-wise was affected. The plant remained safe and at full power through both events,” she said.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., the Lacey Police Department and Forked River Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at Oyster Creek, Police Chief William Nally said. No injuries were reported.

There was a fault in a breaker on JCP&L’s property across from Oyster Creek causing a loss of electricity but there was no resulting fire, D’Ambrosio said. The fault occurred on JCP&L’s switchyard, which distributes electricity from the plant’s onsite transformers. Plant equipment was not affected and there was no environmental impact, she said.

The mechanical failure originated at JCP&L’s voltage regulator, JCP&L spokesman Gerry Ricciardi said. About 2,089 customers in Lacey Township and the surrounding area were affected. The outage lasted approximately 55 minutes.

At approximately 5:45 a.m., while JCP&L crews were restoring a faulty power line, a fuse on a pole blew on Oyster Creek's property causing a spark to ignite a fire on the grass, D’Ambrosio said.

The fire was extinguished within five minutes, Chief Kevin Flynn of the Forked River Fire Department said.

Both incidents were far removed from the actual power plant, D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re very appreciative of the prompt response of the local fire company,” she said.