GPU Energy Restoration Will Continue Through the Night.

MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 1997--GPU Energy's restoration effort for customers who lost power in Friday night's storm will continue through the night.

At 3:30 p.m., an estimated 50,000 customers remained without power in the company's Metro Region, which includes Morris, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and portions of Somerset counties. Nearly 16,000 customers have had their power restored so far. In addition, more than 1,000 individual cases of trouble have been reported to the company.

Winds in excess of 50 mph, as well as lightning and heavy rain were reported with the storm, which moved through New Jersey shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday. Damage to GPU Energy facilities includes: downed power lines, damage to transmission lines, poles and transformers and tree damage locations.

Crews from GPU Energy have been working around the clock to restore power to customers. They have been joined in their effort by crews from the company's southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania regions, as well as crews from several other utilities including New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Northeast Utilities and contractor crews. Approximately 157 crews are working on the restoration effort, with additional crews on the way.

It is expected that the restoration effort will continue throughout the weekend. GPU Energy customers who are without power and have not yet reported it, are urged to call the company's customer service center at 1-800/452-9155.

CONTACT: GPU Energy

Donna Rovins, 610/921-6479

pager, 1-201/605-2848

Sue Hohenadel, 610/921-6613

pager, 1-888/510-7065