#United States #FirstEnergy #JCP&L #Sussex County #Franklin Borough

Major Improvements to the JCP&L Transmission Grid

In a significant move aimed at bolstering the power supply in Sussex County, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), part of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has embarked on a substantial upgrade of its transmission substation located in Franklin Borough. This extensive project is expected to cost approximately $50.3 million and will take around 18 months to complete. Once finished, it will directly benefit about 4,500 customers in surrounding areas including Franklin Borough, Hamburg Borough, Hardyston, Ogdensburg, and Sparta.

Key Features of the Upgrades

The upgrades being undertaken at the Franklin Substation encompass several critical enhancements:

• - Reconfiguration for Redundancy: The substation will be reconfigured to provide improved redundancy and operational flexibility, ensuring that electricity supply remains uninterrupted, even during outages.
• - New Equipment Installation: New electrical equipment will be installed, along with a modern control enclosure, ensuring better monitoring and management of the grid.
• - Transformer Replacement: An aging transformer will be replaced, and an additional transformer will be added to cater to increasing customer demand and enhance operational flexibility.
• - Steel Monopoles: The project will feature the installation of four steel monopoles outside the substation. These will replace existing wooden utility poles and a lattice tower, which will enable the reconfiguration of two high-voltage power lines. This change is crucial for providing backup electric supply should the primary lines fail.

Stakeholder Benefits

Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy's New Jersey sector, emphasized the importance of these upgrades for enhancing the overall reliability of service. He stated, “The extensive work happening both inside and outside the fence… is designed to enhance the reliability and resiliency of the backbone of our electric grid. Once complete, this project will help us deliver the safe, reliable electricity our customers expect.”

The project is part of a larger initiative known as Energize365, which aims to invest $26 billion from 2024 to 2028 on grid evolution across six states. This program is focused on modernizing the grid so that it meets current demands and is prepared for future challenges.

Broader Impact on JCP&L’s Network

JCP&L serves around 1.1 million customers across various counties in New Jersey. The dedicated efforts to enhance the grid not only improve local service reliability but also contribute to the overall mission of FirstEnergy, which is committed to integrity, safety, and operational excellence across its services. FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, with a vast transmission network that spans approximately 24,000 miles, linking the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

As JCP&L continues to develop and modernize its infrastructure, customers are expected to experience a more dependable power grid that will not only serve their immediate needs but also anticipate future electricity requirements. JCPL encourages its customers to stay updated on this project and other news via their social media platforms or their official website.

In summary, this substantial upgrade at the Franklin Substation marks a significant investment in the future of electric service in Sussex County, highlighting JCP&L's commitment to providing high-quality, reliable electricity to its customers well into the future.