JCP&L Begins Work to Boost Reliability for Thousands in Ocean and Burlington Counties
Rhea-AI Summary
FirstEnergy (NYSE:FE) subsidiary JCP&L has initiated infrastructure upgrades to enhance power grid reliability in Ocean and Burlington counties, New Jersey. The project involves clearing 14 miles of right-of-way for new utility poles and high-voltage power lines, benefiting thousands of customers across multiple townships.
The construction, scheduled from September 2025 to June 2026, will utilize helicopters for equipment installation in difficult-to-access areas, minimizing environmental impact. This initiative is part of FirstEnergy's Energize365 program, which involves a $28 billion investment across six states from 2025 to 2029 to create a smarter, more secure power grid.
Positive
- Part of a substantial $28 billion grid evolution program (2025-2029)
- Infrastructure upgrade will enhance service reliability for thousands of customers
- Innovative helicopter-based construction approach reduces environmental impact
- Implementation of stronger, higher-capacity power lines for improved storm resilience
Negative
- Significant construction period of 10 months may cause temporary disruptions
- Large capital expenditure requirement as part of the broader investment program
News Market Reaction – FE
On the day this news was published, FE gained 0.62%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Helicopter will be used in the fall to set new equipment and string power lines
The project involves clearing brush along 14 miles of existing right-of-way to make room for new utility poles that will support a high-voltage power line. The line will help enhance the efficiency and reliability of electricity delivery while providing a backup power source to keep the lights on if wires or equipment on the region's primary line are damaged or must be taken out of service. The work will span multiple communities, including
Construction is scheduled to begin in early September. Helicopters will be used to install equipment and string power lines in areas that are difficult to access by ground. This approach offers a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to using heavy equipment, which would otherwise require building roads or clearing large paths. By flying in materials and placing them with precision, helicopters minimize landscape disruption, enhance worker safety and accelerate the construction process. The project is expected to be completed in June 2026.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's New Jersey President: "As energy needs continue to grow and evolve, we're keeping pace by strengthening our grid, adding additional capacity and using innovative tools like helicopters to build a more resilient system that keeps the power flowing, even during storms or unexpected outages."
As part of the work, new and existing overhead high-voltage lines along the project route will be upgraded to stronger, thicker wire that can better handle increased capacity and is more resilient during storms.
This project is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy's grid evolution program focused on investing
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of
FirstEnergy is dedicated to 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
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.