Holmdel, N.J. – FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has embarked on a tree-trimming initiative spanning over 3,400 miles of power lines in its service territory across 13 counties. The endeavor aims to enhance electric service reliability by mitigating tree-related outages, particularly during severe weather conditions.
JCP&L President, Jim Fakult, emphasized the significance of the tree-trimming program, stating, “Falling trees and branches are the number one cause of power outages for our customers in New Jersey. Our year-round tree-trimming efforts are one of the most effective proactive steps we can take to help ensure safe, reliable and affordable electric service to our customers, especially as we move into the summer storm season.”
This year’s $32.5 million plan marks the commencement of an annual $1.5 million increase in tree trimming, as part of a settlement with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Additionally, JCP&L will allocate an extra $2.5 million annually for the next five years to expand tree-trimming zones along 18 high-priority circuits in central and northern New Jersey, identified based on historical outage data.
The tree-trimming program, completed on a four-year cycle, involves inspecting vegetation near power lines to ensure trees are pruned effectively while maintaining proper clearances around electrical equipment. Contractors certified in forestry carry out the trimming under JCP&L’s supervision.
As part of its efforts, JCP&L is also removing deteriorated ash trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, with over 53,000 trees already removed in northern New Jersey since 2017.
To further engage with the community, JCP&L collaborates with municipalities to communicate vegetation management schedules and proactively informs customers residing along company rights-of-way before commencing work. Foresters are also educating residents near company equipment on the importance of maintaining trees on their properties.
Customers concerned about trees posing risks to power lines can report them on JCP&L’s website for assessment by company foresters. The tree-trimming operations are limited to company rights-of-way, with 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 attributed to trees outside these areas.
JCP&L plans to trim trees in various counties and municipalities over the next two months, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster electric service reliability and minimize outages.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in several New Jersey counties. For more information on JCP&L’s vegetation management initiatives, visit firstenergycorp.com/trees.
