Atlantic City Electric

Residents from all over New Jersey are in the South ready to help with recovery from Hurricane Matthew.

As the strengthening Hurricane Joaquin bears down on the Garden State, the major utility companies are monitoring and making preparations to contend with the situation.

Strong thunderstorms with torrential rains, strong gusty winds and vivid lightning crossed New Jersey on Thursday evening, plunging thousands into the dark.

Southern New Jersey is still recovering from a fast-moving storm with brutal winds that ravaged the area on June 23 and left 280,000 people without power. Residents and lawmakers have been extremely critical of Atlantic City Electric and at least one mayor blasted Gov. Chris Christie for a perceived lack of response.

The state Board of Public Utilities will review Atlantic City Electric's response to a powerful storm that knocked out power to thousands of New Jersey homes and businesses according to the Press of Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Electric is reminding customers to take precautions when someone claiming to represent the utility contacts them asking for money.

Authorities allegedly found an "elaborate" marijuana-growing operation at a southern New Jersey home after they went there as part of a credit-card fraud investigation.

Heads up if you receive your Atlantic City Electric bill via e-mail -- scammers are sending out fake bills which could impact your computer.

Atlantic City Electric, which delivers power to nearly 550,000 homes and businesses in south Jersey, has been alerted of a "Green Dot" scam targeting their customers.

If you rely on Atlantic City Electric for your power service, you may soon need to open the wallet a little wider. The utility is currently looking into increasing their rates.