FirstEnergy Corp.’s subsidiary, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), has installed 64 artificial bat roosts along two transmission rights-of-way in Warren, Morris, and Union counties. This initiative is part of a research study with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to protect endangered bat species affected by deforestation.
The study focuses on the Indiana, northern long-eared, and little brown bats. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of these structures in replacing lost natural habitats and identifying optimal conditions for bat habitation.
Michelle Dellinger, Advanced Forestry Specialist at FirstEnergy, stated: “When we build a new transmission line, there is potential to cut down trees that bats could have used in spring and summer months for roosting. This research project is installing artificial habitat to replace some of what has been removed. We are excited to be at the forefront of electric companies helping to mitigate the impact on threatened and endangered bat species.”
EPRI researchers will monitor the roosts using acoustic devices and guano catchers over two years to gather data on bat presence and habitat suitability.
Since 2016, JCP&L has relocated approximately 20 osprey nests and currently monitors over 60 nesting sites. The company serves 1.1 million customers across multiple New Jersey counties.
FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., with transmission lines spanning about 24,000 miles across several states.
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