JCP&L's President, Jim Fakult, recently highlighted the significance of the company's EnergizeNJ initiative, aimed at enhancing service reliability for customers. Fakult stated, "EnergizeNJ is one of the most significant initiatives JCP&L has ever put together to enhance service reliability for customers. It’s important to us that these upgrades not only enhance service by reducing how often you lose power or how long your lights are out, but also do it in a cost-conscious manner."
The initiative, which involves $930.5 million in infrastructure upgrades, focuses on reducing the frequency and duration of power outages for JCP&L customers. Measures include upgrading overhead power lines, installing advanced technology and smart grid devices, standardizing system voltage, and creating more reliable customer connections.
When addressing the question of burying all lines, it was noted that the high cost involved would significantly impact electric bills for families and businesses. However, EnergizeNJ plans to selectively underground approximately seven miles of lines in vulnerable areas to enhance service reliability while minimizing the impact on customer bills.
To manage costs effectively, JCP&L's plan spreads out project expenses over five years, with incremental impacts on customer bills. The average residential customer, currently paying around $121 per month, can expect a total increase of approximately $4.07 per month in five years.
For more information on JCP&L's EnergizeNJ initiative, interested individuals can visit jcp-l.com/energizenj.