JCP&L has started construction on a year-long project to enhance the electric grid by upgrading overhead infrastructure and installing new underground power lines in parts of Sussex County in northern New Jersey.

The $5.1 million project runs along a power line from a substation in Roxbury Township and will improve reliability, resilience, and capacity for approximately 1,700 customers. Work is expected to be completed by November.

“Our teams have worked diligently to plan projects like selective undergrounding and robust overhead upgrades that make a positive impact on service reliability for our customers,” said New Jersey State President Doug Mokoid. “This work will help us better meet the current and future electric needs of these communities.”

Along with enhanced tree trimming, the project includes:

• Undergrounding Power Lines: Installing approximately 2,000 feet of underground wires in Roxbury Township to improve resilience.
• Stronger Infrastructure: Upgrading poles and overhead wires to withstand storms and carry more electricity.
• Smarter Technology: Adding protective devices and reclosers to reroute power during outages, reducing the number of affected customers.
• Faster Restoration: Installing TripSaver devices, which detect temporary disturbances, like a tree branch briefly touching a line, and automatically restore power without requiring a crew visit.

The work is part of two major initiatives: Energize365 and the New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project. By combining targeted underground service with advanced grid technology, we are strengthening the electric system based on historical outage data and creating a smarter, more secure grid, ensuring customers have the power they rely on today while preparing for future challenges.