MORRISTOWN, N.J., Aug. 7, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L),
a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed
helicopter patrols to inspect vegetation along more than 400 miles
of high-voltage transmission lines in its New Jersey service area.
JCP&L conducts the patrols annually to identify overgrown
trees and other issues that need to be addressed to help prevent
service interruptions and ensure the reliability of the
transmission system, particularly during summer and winter storm
seasons.
The transmission lines inspected are located in Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex, Union
and Warren counties.
The inspections help locate dead or dying trees and any
vegetation that may need to be addressed, and they can also help to
identify broken poles or birds nesting on electrical equipment.
Findings are logged and issues will be prioritized and addressed to
help ensure the continued, reliable operation of the regional
transmission system. The patrols started in late July and were
completed in early August.
Maintaining proper clearances around transmission lines and
electrical equipment can help prevent or minimize the impact of
tree-related power outages, especially those associated with severe
weather.
"Taking this proactive step to inspect our high-voltage lines
for potential hazards is an important part of our vegetation
management program and an effective way to reduce service
interruptions for our customers," said Jim
Fakult, president of FirstEnergy's New Jersey operations.
On the ground, tree contractors continue to trim trees along
more than 3,400 miles of power lines across JCP&L's 13-county
central and northern New Jersey
service area as part of the company's $34
million vegetation management program this year. Vegetation
near power lines is inspected to ensure trees are pruned in a
manner that helps preserve the health of trees while maintaining
proper clearances around electrical equipment. All trimming work is
conducted by certified forestry contractors under the company's
direction and done in compliance with regulatory requirements.
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of
Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union
and Warren. Follow JCP&L on
Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online
at www.jcp-l.com.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form
one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving customers in Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West
Virginia, Maryland and
New York. The company's
transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of
transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
regions. Follow FirstEnergy online
at www.firstenergycorp.com and on
Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.