FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is upgrading a transmission substation in Morristown to mitigate power outages caused by flooding, particularly during hurricane season.
The $78 million project aims to elevate equipment within the facility above floodwaters, enhancing service reliability for 23,000 JCP&L customers in northern New Jersey. The Whippany River, running along the northeastern border of the property, has become increasingly prone to flooding.
"This project is a major undertaking that will help ensure that our customers continue to receive the safe, reliable service they expect from us even as our state sees increasing impacts from Mother Nature. We appreciate the support we've received from local officials as we work to make these vital upgrades to a historic facility," said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President for New Jersey.
Originally purchased in 1928, the site now lies along a busy residential and commercial thoroughfare. As part of this project, JCP&L has agreed to enhance the property's exterior with shade trees, ornamental trees, decorative pavers and sculptural benches. A screening wall will provide additional visual barriers and enhanced security around substation equipment, which required a variance from the town for height restrictions. Work is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The substation serves as a central point for providing local distribution service to nearby neighborhoods and businesses. Additionally, it plays a significant role in connecting other substations in northern New Jersey; high-voltage lines at the Morristown facility supply power that is later converted for distribution at those locations.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers across Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex Union and Warren counties. Follow JCP&L on X (formerly Twitter) @JCP_L or on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com
FirstEnergy emphasizes integrity, safety reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems serving more than six million customers in Ohio Pennsylvania New Jersey West Virginia Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24 000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.
News Media Contact: Chris Hoenig (609) 350-8599
Investor Relations Contact: Gina Caskey (330) 607-0157
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