JCP&L has begun upgrading 3.5 miles of a high-voltage power line in Monmouth County to help prevent or minimize the impact of service disruptions for 3,950 customers.

The work is part of a series of projects to improve the reliability of the transmission system benefiting more than 150,000 customers.

As part of the $11 million project, we will replace the existing wires, hardware and structures that have been in place since the 1970s with new poles, wires and equipment designed to better withstand severe weather elements.

The new wires can carry more electrical load and will be able to accommodate greater customer demand for electricity. They will also be able to carry increased power flow in the event of unplanned service interruptions on other lines in the area, helping to enhance reliability and minimize power outages.

Most of the new structures will be wood poles. Work is expected to be completed in late 2024.

“This important project will help reduce the risk of outages and ensure that our transmission system keeps pace with the growing demand for safe, reliable power by our customers in central Jersey,” said JCP&L President Jim Fakult.

The upgrade is the fifth in a series of projects designed to enhance reliability for JCP&L customers in central New Jersey. Overall, we are investing $223 million to upgrade more than 60 miles of transmission lines in the county.

The project is part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy’s customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, we will forge a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses, and clean energy sources.