#United States #Jersey Central Power #FirstEnergy Corp #high-voltage power #Holmdel

Enhancing Reliability: JCP&L's New Underwater Line Replacement

In an effort to improve service reliability, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is replacing an underwater high-voltage power line crucial for powering New Jersey's barrier islands. This significant project, costing approximately $12.5 million, is expected to be completed by mid-December and will enhance the power supply for over 13,000 customers residing in popular communities such as Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, and Seaside Heights.

Project Overview

JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), aims to bolster its infrastructure as the demand for electricity surges during the busy summer months when the population swells. The underwater 34.5-kilovolt line is one of four high-voltage sources contributing to reliable energy access across the Barnegat Bay. This upgrade marks a notable improvement in service redundancy, ensuring that customers experience minimal disruption, even during peak usage periods.

Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy's New Jersey division, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating, "The replacement of this high-voltage line offers service-enhancing redundancy into our barrier island system. It delivers the power capacity that local communities require during peak use in the summer months. Completing this work in an environmentally sensitive manner is of utmost importance to us."

Innovative Environmental Approach

A standout feature of this project is the use of advanced trenching technology designed to protect the local aquatic environment. A specialized 12-ton sled will install the new 7,500-foot submarine cable with minimal disruption to marine life. This sled operates using high-pressure water jets to create a trench, reaching over 10 feet deep and just a foot wide. As the sled moves across the bay’s floor, it creates a channel without significant environmental impact, allowing the trench to collapse behind it, leaving a shallow depression that marks the new cable’s path.

Transporting the heavy reels of armored submarine cable and the sled will be accomplished via a large barge, which facilitates efficient movement at a speed of up to 10 feet per minute. The operation aims to maintain environmental integrity while improving service.

The Broader Impact

JCP&L serves a substantial customer base, catering to 1.1 million residents across numerous counties including Ocean, Monmouth, and Essex. The upgrade is part of a continuous commitment by FirstEnergy to enhance reliability, safety, and operational excellence in its service areas.

As FirstEnergy operates approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic regions, projects like this one play a critical role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of their electric systems. Customers can stay informed on developments and safety updates by following JCP&L on social media or visiting their official website.

Conclusion

The replacement of the underwater power line by JCP&L signifies a crucial step in enhancing service reliability for barrier island customers. By blending advanced technology with a commitment to environmental safety, JCP&L is setting a standard for operational excellence and customer service in the energy industry. This project not only boosts the local power supply but also ensures that residents enjoy uninterrupted electrical service throughout the year, especially during the bustling summer season.

For ongoing updates regarding this project and other initiatives, residents are encouraged to connect with JCP&L through their platforms or visit firstenergycorp.com for more information.