#United States #Holmdel #FirstEnergy #JCP&L #Reliability Project

Improvements in Reliability for JCP&L Customers

In a major update for residents of New Jersey, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has announced significant advancements in its service delivery as part of an extensive $95 million Reliability Improvement Project. This initiative, which is halfway completed, aims to bolster the electric system's strength and reliability across various regions, particularly benefiting thousands of customers who have experienced fewer power outages over the past year.

Notable Effects of Upgraded Infrastructure

The project has shown promising results, particularly in Morris and Monmouth counties, where over 16,500 customers reported a remarkable over 80% reduction in outages in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline can be attributed to enhancements made to local power lines, positioning them to withstand harsh weather conditions more effectively. Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy in New Jersey, stated, "These improvements are keeping lights on more often and ensuring quicker restoration when outages occur. We are committed to making strategic investments that enable us to offer the same reliability improvements to even more communities as we progress through this project."

Investments Driving Reliable Services

To mitigate the frequency and duration of outages, JCP&L is focusing on areas that previously experienced frequent service interruptions. Key measures include:

• - Strengthening poles and wires to enhance durability against storms.
• - Relocating specific power lines underground to limit damage from overhead equipment.
• - Deploying smart technology that detects issues and restores power rapidly.
• - Rearranging local power lines to minimize the number of customers impacted during outages.
• - Increasing tree trimming efforts to prevent vegetation-induced outages.

Upcoming Improvements on the Horizon

The New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project encompasses enhancements to 18 circuit lines throughout JCP&L’s service area. Currently, work is in progress on seven of these circuits, with three more expected to begin shortly and six slated for early 2026. Upcoming projects are set to include:

• - Hunterdon County: More than seven miles of upgraded overhead line and 1,000 feet of new underground cable near the Glen Gardner substation, along with new transformers and devices providing crews more flexibility for customer service.
• - Southern Ocean County: A new 4.3-mile power line along Route 9 and extra smart devices aimed at minimizing outage impacts to customers.
• - Warren County: Upgrades spanning over nine miles of power lines and the addition of new protective equipment for the residents served by the Blairstown substation.

These adjustments will enhance reliability for nearly 10,000 customers once completed late this year.

A Comprehensive Investment Strategy

JCP&L’s Reliability Improvement Project is part of Energize365, a strategic initiative by FirstEnergy aimed at modernizing and reinforcing the electric grid. FirstEnergy plans to allocate a staggering $28 billion from 2025 to 2029 to develop a smarter, more resilient electrical network capable of evolving alongside community needs.

Currently, JCP&L serves an extensive customer base of 1.2 million individuals across counties such as Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, and more. To stay updated, customers can follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook, or visit their website at jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy Corp., publicly traded under NYSE FE, is committed to integrity, safety, and operational excellence, serving over six million customers across multiple states, including New Jersey, Ohio, and New York, among others. Their transmission subsidiaries manage around 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting various regions, ensuring a robust and reliable electric service network.