JCP&L's Ash Tree Removal Program Combats Tree-Related Power Outages
Rhea-AI Summary
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary, has intensified its efforts to remove dead and diseased ash trees in its New Jersey service area to reduce power outages. In 2024, JCP&L has already removed over 7,000 vulnerable ash trees, surpassing 2023 figures. The program, which began in 2017, has led to the removal of more than 64,000 ash trees affected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.
JCP&L invests at least $32.4 million annually in vegetation management along power lines. However, 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 were caused by trees outside these areas. The company's Green Team has also planted and donated over 2,500 trees in 2024 as part of its environmental stewardship efforts.
Positive
- Proactive removal of 7,000+ vulnerable ash trees in 2024, surpassing 2023 figures
- 64,000+ dead and diseased ash trees removed since 2017
- $32.4 million annual investment in vegetation management
- 2,500+ trees planted and donated by JCP&L Green Team in 2024
Negative
- 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 caused by trees outside managed areas
- Ongoing threat from Emerald Ash Borer affecting 24.7 million ash trees in New Jersey
News Market Reaction – FE
On the day this news was published, FE declined 1.36%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Removal of dead and diseased trees in 2024 has already surpassed 2023
So far in 2024, JCP&L arborists have identified and removed more than 7,000 vulnerable ash trees, almost exclusively in northern
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President,
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that infests and can kill every species of ash tree in
Since mitigation efforts began in 2017, JCP&L's certified arborists have identified and removed more than 64,000 dead and diseased ash trees.
To learn more about JCP&L's vegetation management efforts, visit firstenergycorp.com/trees.
The efforts are an extension of JCP&L's efforts to address tree-related outages through vegetation management. Each year, the company spends at least
As part of the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, JCP&L Green Team volunteers have planted and donated more than 2,500 trees in the state this year, and more than 7,000 trees over the past three years. These teams plant hardy species that are more resistant to pests and disease in areas that won't impact the electric system. The work compliments efforts by company volunteers across FirstEnergy's footprint, who have planted and donated more than 91,000 trees since 2020.
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 customers in
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.