Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has started a $15.4 million project to improve electric service reliability for more than 3,600 customers in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The upgrades are focused on enhancing overhead lines and substations, as well as installing underground wires in forested areas. These efforts aim to reduce power outages and speed up repair times for residents in Alexandria, Delaware, Flemington Borough, Franklin, Frenchtown Borough, Kingwood, Stockton Borough and Union.
The project comes as electricity demand increases in the region served by JCP&L substations in Baptistown and Rosemont. Planned upgrades at these facilities are expected to provide greater resiliency and flexibility for local customers.
Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy’s New Jersey operations, stated: “As our local communities grow, they need more power to keep homes and businesses running. We’re strengthening overhead power lines and putting some lines underground to help make sure our customers have power they can rely on – even during storms. The smart improvements mean safer, more dependable electricity for everyone.”
The infrastructure enhancements include reconfiguring neighborhood circuits to optimize reliability and allow temporary switching during outages; upgrading over 20 miles of overhead lines and 30 poles; installing nearly three miles of underground wires in remote wooded areas; increasing equipment that allows rerouting of power during disruptions; deploying TripSaver devices that automatically restore service after minor issues; and expanding tree trimming efforts.
This work is part of the New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project—a two-phase initiative aimed at improving service on circuits with a history of outages. Over the next two years, at least $95 million will be invested in upgrades across the state, with additional projects planned through 2028.
These efforts contribute to Energize365, FirstEnergy’s broader $28 billion program designed to modernize its electric grid between 2025 and 2029. The goal is to create a smarter grid that can support current needs as well as future growth.
JCP&L provides electric service to approximately 1.1 million customers across several counties in New Jersey. More information about JCP&L can be found on their official website (https://www.jcp-l.com/) or social media channels such as X (@JCP_L) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JCPandL/). Details about FirstEnergy Corp., which serves over six million customers across multiple states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York can be accessed at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/.
For further inquiries related to this project or company updates, news media may contact Chris Hoenig at (609) 350-8599 while investors can reach Karen Sagot at (330) 761-4286.
