The number of power outages in New Jersey from hybrid storm Sandy has dropped to 2.3 million.

It was the first time the number of outages has dropped since the storm hit. It peaked at 2.7 million earlier Tuesday.

The state's largest utility, Public Service Electric & Gas, reports 1.1 million of its residential and business customers don't have electricity, down from 1.4 million.

PSE&G says full restoration could take seven days or more.

Jersey Central Power & Light reports nearly 1 million customers without power Tuesday afternoon, a decline of 100,000.

Atlantic City Electric was down slightly to 181,000 out. Orange & Rockland reports about 52,000 outages, about the same as earlier in the day.

 

The utilities say it may be another day before they can begin major restoration efforts as the winds need to die down so crews can safetly be hoisted off the ground.  They are asking customers to report outages so they can pinpoint issues and better plan their work.

JCP+L posted on its Facebook page it has intentionally shut down power to the barrier islands of Monmouth & Ocean counties to protect equipment, a move they say will help with getting power restored more quickly.

Earlier, PSE+G, JCP+L and Atlantic City Electric expressed confidence they are ready for the cleanup when Sandy passes. PSE&G says they have secured 653 line workers from other utilities to assist PSE&G’s 600 linemen in restoring power along with extra  tree contractors to clear damaged trees and limbs from power lines.

Atlantic City Electric reports the activation of all its field personnel including utility crews from states as far away as Alabama and Louisiana to assist with restoring power. JCP+L has 400 linemen and 1,200 additional line personnel from as far away as Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio en route.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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