Core Insights - The article discusses FirstEnergy's investment in upgrading the electric grid to enhance reliability and capacity for growing energy needs in Monmouth County [2][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - Construction for the upgrades began in mid-2025 and is expected to be completed in the spring [1]. - The project is part of a larger $30 million initiative under Energize365, aimed at modernizing the electric grid [3]. Group 2: Infrastructure Improvements - The upgrades include enhancing 10 miles of existing power lines with stronger, modern wire and replacing older wooden poles with more durable materials [7]. - A second set of lines will be added along the corridor to provide multiple pathways for power delivery, improving reliability during outages [7]. Group 3: Benefits of Upgrades - The upgrades are designed to reduce the number of outages and restore service faster when issues occur [8]. - The improvements will prepare the electric system for the increasing energy demands in the area, ensuring a more resilient infrastructure [2][8]. Group 4: Company Commitment - FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serving customers across multiple states with a vast network of transmission lines [5].

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]

Core Insights - The investment by JCP&L is aimed at enhancing the reliability and safety of electricity delivery to its customers, reflecting a commitment to a resilient energy future [1][3] - The New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project is a two-phase initiative with a budget of at least $95 million for upgrades over the next two years, continuing through 2028 [2][3] - FirstEnergy's broader investment program, Energize365, involves a total of $28 billion aimed at modernizing the electric grid from 2025 to 2029 [3] Project Details - The project includes upgrading over 2.5 miles of overhead power lines and poles to improve capacity and storm resilience [8] - Modernization efforts will involve installing devices that detect abnormal conditions and automatically protect equipment [8] - Additional equipment will be added to reroute power during outages, minimizing the number of affected customers [7][8] Customer Impact - The upgrades are expected to result in fewer outages, limiting the number of customers affected during incidents [7] - Restoration times will be faster as crews will have improved capabilities to reroute power efficiently [7] - The enhancements will provide JCP&L with greater flexibility to respond to issues and maintain power flow [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the growing electricity demand in communities served by JCP&L and the upgrades being made to enhance grid resiliency and flexibility [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The upgrades are part of JCP&L's New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, which is a two-phase initiative aimed at improving the reliability of lines with a history of outages [3] - At least $95 million will be invested in upgrades over the next two years, with longer-term projects extending through 2028 [3] Group 2: Investment Program - The New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project is part of FirstEnergy's broader Energize365 program, which involves a $28 billion investment to modernize the electric grid from 2025 to 2029 [4] Group 3: Customer Base - JCP&L serves approximately 1.1 million customers across multiple counties in New Jersey [5] Group 4: Infrastructure Enhancements - Key enhancements include reconfiguring neighborhood circuits for better reliability, upgrading over 20 miles of overhead power lines, installing nearly 3 miles of underground wires, and increasing automated technology for quicker service restoration [8] - Additional efforts include enhanced vegetation management to improve service reliability [8]

Core Points - FirstEnergy Foundation awarded one of the largest grants in New Jersey this year, contributing to over $2 million in community support in the first half of 2025 [1] - The grant supports Interfaith Neighbors, which addresses poverty in Asbury Park through various programs [2] - Interfaith Neighbors has been active for nearly four decades, focusing on housing, food, and job assistance [3] Company Overview - FirstEnergy serves over six million customers across multiple states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York [5] - The company operates approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [5] - JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serves 1.1 million customers in New Jersey [4] Community Programs - The Launch Center provides job training and career coaching [7] - The Early Childhood Learning Center offers a nurturing environment for children while supporting parents [7] - Meals on Wheels delivers over 800 meals daily, totaling more than 330,000 meals annually [7] - Kula Urban Farm operates a hydroponic greenhouse, providing job training and free food [7]

Core Insights - Electricity supply costs have surged this summer, accounting for nearly 60% of a family's bill in the service territory, prompting JCP&L to implement a $30 deferral credit for residential bills in July and August, which will be recovered through a $10 monthly charge from September to February [1][4] Group 1: Rising Supply Costs - The increase in supply costs is attributed to a combination of rising demand and reduced supply due to power plant retirements, leading to a spike in Basic Generation Service (BGS) rates, which increased the average residential bill by 19.6% [4] - The average residential customer of JCP&L uses 777 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, and JCP&L passes supply costs directly to customers without markup [4] Group 2: Customer Assistance Programs - JCP&L has introduced several initiatives to assist customers, including a limited suspension of service shut-offs, waived reconnection fees, enhanced deferred payment agreements allowing up to 24 months for past-due balances, and bill assistance programs for income-eligible customers [8] - Additional energy efficiency tools and resources are available, such as the Home Energy Analyzer, HVAC rebates, and tips for saving energy without sacrificing comfort [8] Group 3: Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving over six million customers across multiple states, including New Jersey [6]

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "When our crews respond to disasters, both in our territory or as part of mutual aid, it is the American Red Cross that is routinely there, providing the support that sustains communities in the immediate aftermath. Last month's wildfire burned close to home for many of our customers and employees, and once again, the Red Cross stepped up when people needed them most." The fast-moving fire threatened more than 1,300 structures and put 3,000 residents in Ocea ...