Major Electric Grid Enhancement Project in Monmouth County Expected to Boost Service Reliability

Enhancements to the Electric Grid in Monmouth County

In a significant move aimed at improving the reliability of electric service for local residents and businesses, JCPL (Jersey Central Power & Light), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is kicking off a major upgrade of the electric grid in Monmouth County. This initiative is designed to benefit approximately 11,400 customers by modernizing the power infrastructure that has been in place since the 1970s.

Key Features of the Upgrade

The upgrade involves the construction of a new high-voltage power line connecting the Middletown Township substation and the Red Bank Borough substation. This line will serve as a backup source of electricity, ensuring continued service even in adverse conditions, like severe weather or unforeseen outages. Specifically, the project will include:

- Installation of underground power lines: A section of about half a mile crossing the Navesink River Bridge will be placed underground, improving aesthetics and safety.
- Reinforcement of overhead lines: The project includes adding a mile of stronger overhead cables on existing poles to enhance the grid's resilience.
- Switching infrastructure: A new wooden pole will transition the line from overhead to underground systems near the Red Bank substation.

Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy in New Jersey, elaborated on the importance of this upgrade by stating, "We know how much our customers rely on dependable electricity to power their homes, businesses and daily lives. We're investing in Monmouth County's energy future to help reduce outages, speed up restoration times and support the growth of our communities for years to come."

The Benefits of the Upgrade

Once completed, customers can expect to experience a decrease in the frequency of outages, as well as faster recovery times during emergencies. The advantages of this initiative include:

- Enhanced reliability: The modern equipment is designed to handle severe weather more effectively, which is crucial for a region subject to storms and other disruptions.
- Improved power balance: The upgrade will allow JCPL greater flexibility and options in managing electricity demand across the system, which means quicker restoration of service during outages.
- Support for community growth: This investment will help accommodate future growth in homes and businesses, ensuring a consistent supply of power as the community expands.

Timeline and Additional Investments

Construction began in September 2025 and is expected to be completed by February 2026, assuming all final approvals are granted. In addition to this project, FirstEnergy is investing a total of $1.6 million to strengthen the electric system for Northern Monmouth County, which includes replacing over 2.5 miles of power lines and poles that are more resilient against storms. Furthermore, they are implementing advanced technology to quickly identify and address any issues that may arise, helping to maintain continuous service.

Additional projects worth $36 million are also underway to upgrade aging insulators—critical components that secure power lines to poles—across 76 miles of lines in several counties. Replacing these aging insulators, many of which are over 40 years old, will significantly lower the risk of pole fires and electrical issues, further enhancing the safety and reliability of the electric system.

Energize365: A Vision for the Future

This electrifying upgrade in Monmouth County is a part of FirstEnergy's broader initiative known as Energize365, a long-term investment program aimed at modernizing the electric grid. Over the next four years, the company plans to invest approximately $28 billion to develop a smarter and more secure power network that meets the demand of contemporary customers while also preparing for future growth.

JCPL serves over 1.2 million customers across multiple counties, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring every resident has access to reliable electricity. Customers can follow updates from JCPL on X (@JCP_L), Facebook, or online at their official website. For more information on FirstEnergy and their services, visit firstenergycorp.com.