Electric Grid Upgrade Set to Strengthen Service and Speed Restoration in Monmouth County

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp.'s JCP&L is constructing a new high-voltage power line to enhance electricity reliability for customers in Middletown Township and Red Bank Borough [1][3] - The project includes underground and overhead line upgrades, aimed at providing backup electricity sources and improving infrastructure resilience [2][5] - The initiative is part of a broader $28 billion investment plan, Energize365, to modernize the electric grid from 2025 to 2029 [7] Project Details - The new power line will span approximately half a mile underground and one mile of stronger overhead lines, with a new wooden pole added near the Red Bank substation [2] - Construction began in September 2025 and is expected to be completed by February 2026, pending final approvals [4][6] - The project will benefit nearly 11,400 JCP&L customers by improving service reliability and reducing outage times [4] Additional Investments - A total of $1.6 million is being invested in strengthening the electric system in Northern Monmouth County, alongside a $36 million project to upgrade aging insulators across 76 miles of lines [5] - Upgrading these components, some over 40 years old, aims to reduce the risk of outages and enhance system safety [5] Long-term Strategy - Energize365 represents FirstEnergy's commitment to creating a smarter and more secure electric grid to meet current and future customer needs [7] - The program focuses on improving grid reliability, capacity, and flexibility, while also reducing outage frequency and restoration times [9]