#United States #FirstEnergy #JCP&L #Mercer County

Major Electric Grid Upgrades in Mercer County

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is making substantial investments to enhance the electric grid in Mercer County, New Jersey. This initiative aims to bolster the reliability of electricity services particularly in Hopewell Township, where nearly 1,000 customers are expected to benefit from these upgrades. The project is crucial, especially during severe weather events, which often lead to power outages.

In 2025 alone, JCP&L is committing approximately $900 million towards capital projects that are vital for the regional grid. According to Doug Mokoid, the President of FirstEnergy's New Jersey operations, these enhancements are specially designed to cater to the local demands in the area. The upgrades are not merely for immediate concerns but aim to provide a long-term solution that ensures safe and dependable electricity for years to come.

Key Components of the Upgrade

The comprehensive project includes several critical upgrades:

• - Infrastructure Strengthening: JCP&L will be upgrading around four miles of existing infrastructure across two areas. This involves replacing old poles with sturdier, thicker ones and using robust overhead wires that can handle higher power loads, which is especially important during stormy weather.
• - Underground Wiring Installation: Approximately 0.25 miles of underground wiring will be installed to connect these upgraded areas. This underground network not only adds resilience but also ensures additional flexibility in the system.
• - Enhanced Protective Devices: The project will increase the number of protective devices and reclosers on the lines. These devices automatically reroute power during outages, minimizing service disruptions for customers.
• - Smart TripSaver Devices: JCP&L will introduce TripSaver technologies, which can detect temporary disruptions, like tree branches touching power lines, and can automatically restore power when the issue resolves without the need for crew intervention.
• - Vegetation Management: Additional tree trimming and vegetation management efforts are planned to further boost service reliability and prevent outages caused by falling branches.

This significant upgrade is part of JCP&L's Supplemental High Priority Circuit Program, which builds on the New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project. The first phase, costing at least $95 million, focuses on essential reliability upgrades and is expected to be completed in the next three years. The latter phase will involve longer-term projects aimed for completion by 2028.

A Forward-Thinking Approach to Power

The ongoing efforts align with FirstEnergy's broader Energize365 initiative, aimed at investing $26 billion from 2024 through 2028. This program is focused on modernizing the grid across the company's operations in six different states. It represents a commitment to not only maintain but also evolve the infrastructure to meet current and future energy demands.

Serving approximately 1.1 million customers in Mercer and surrounding counties, JCP&L strives for excellence in service reliability and operational integrity. The company is determined to remain a leader in the electric utility sector, ensuring its infrastructure is resilient and capable of supporting the evolving energy landscape.

For ongoing updates, follow JCP&L on platforms like X and Facebook, or visit their official website. This upgrade project marks a significant step forward for JCP&L as it continues to evolve in response to the needs of its customers and the challenges posed by climate change and increased demand for electricity.