Enhancements to Electric Service from JCP&L Benefit Monmouth County Residents

JCP&L's $400,000 Investment in Monmouth County

In a bid to enhance electric reliability and service quality, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has announced a nearly $400,000 investment in electric infrastructure upgrades throughout parts of Monmouth County, specifically targeting Neptune Township, Monmouth Beach, and Sea Bright. These investments aim to conserve energy and protect wildlife, demonstrating a commitment not just to their customers but also to environmental stewardship.

Boosting Reliability and Safety

The completion of two key electric system improvement projects this month marks a significant milestone, benefitting over 4,000 local residents. Leveraging modern technology and materials, these projects are designed to significantly improve service reliability and safety for customers while minimizing the risk of nesting by birds of prey on utility poles, a noteworthy ecological initiative.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President for New Jersey, emphasized the importance of employee involvement, stating, "The open feedback system we maintain allows our employees to feel comfortable calling attention to areas of the electric system that need upgrades." The proactive input from team members has been pivotal in identifying and implementing these critical improvements.

Infrastructure Upgrades in Neptune Township

In Neptune Township, extensive upgrades were made to the electrical infrastructure supporting two local power lines. Notably, new fiberglass crossarms were installed, offering advantages over traditional wooden or metal counterparts. These fiberglass components are not only lighter but also require less maintenance and provide enhanced storm resilience, promising a longer lifespan than their predecessors. Importantly, their design prevents ospreys from nesting, addressing ecological concerns within the locality.

Additionally, the project has seen the installation of three lightning arrestors along a neighborhood power line designed to safeguard the line from potential lightning strikes, thereby boosting overall service safety for more than 1,100 customers in the area.

Coastal Improvements and Further Enhancements

At the coastal stretch, another substantial project focused on upgrading insulators along a nearly two-mile high-voltage power line. The upgrades include employing specialized insulators that deter ospreys from nesting, thus ensuring compliance with wildlife protection regulations. Additionally, old wooden and metal crossarms are being replaced with more durable fiberglass versions to further enhance operational resilience.

This coastal enhancement is expected to benefit around 3,200 JCP&L customers in both Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach. The completion of these projects aligns with JCP&L’s commitment to upgrading their electrical systems, ensuring service reliability while promoting environmental care.

Energize365: A Vision for the Future

These projects fall under the expansive Energize365 program, heralded by FirstEnergy, which aims to invest $26 billion from 2024 to 2028 in grid evolution across six states. The goal is to create a smarter, more secure electrical grid capable of meeting contemporary demands and future challenges efficiently. JCP&L currently serves approximately 1.1 million customers across various counties, continuously seeking innovative ways to bolster their electrical service while adhering to the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates and engage with JCP&L through social media platforms such as X (@JCP_L) and Facebook, or visit their website at jcp-l.com for more information on ongoing and future projects. FirstEnergy Corp. stands as one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, a testament to its extensive infrastructure and commitment to customer service excellence.

Through these advancements, JCP&L not only enhances electric service but also plays a vital role in promoting ecological well-being, reinforcing their commitment to being a responsible utility provider in New Jersey.