JCP&L Completes Inspections and Maintenance to Prepare Electric Grid for Summer Heat, Storms & Hurricanes

Rhea-AI Summary

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE), has concluded inspections and maintenance to ready its electric grid in central and northern New Jersey for summer heat and severe weather, including hurricanes. Visual inspections, helicopter patrols covering 700 miles, and infrared thermovision imaging were employed to identify potential issues, which were promptly addressed. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, JCP&L has strategically positioned critical equipment to ensure swift response and power restoration. Additionally, customers can manage energy costs by using fans, closing blinds, and utilizing programmable thermostats. JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers across 13 counties in New Jersey.

Positive

• Completion of comprehensive inspections and maintenance enhances grid reliability.
• High-tech infrared thermovision imaging identifies potential issues early.
• Strategic staging of critical equipment ensures quick response to outages.
• Preparedness for an above-normal hurricane season as forecasted by NOAA.

Negative

• Potential customer energy cost increases during higher-than-usual summer temperatures.

Company offers tips to help customers save energy during peak heat months

HOLMDEL, N.J., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed equipment inspections and maintenance throughout its central and northern New Jersey service area to prepare the electric grid for the hot summer months and potential severe weather and hurricanes that come with the season.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "Our maintenance and inspection programs are designed to ensure that we can provide the safe and reliable electric service our customers need to keep cool and comfortable during the hot, stormy summer months, and to meet the demands on our system that accompany the influx of seasonal tourism in our service territory."

In addition to regular ground-based visual inspections, helicopter patrols surveyed more than 700 miles of high-voltage transmission lines this spring. The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken crossarms and other equipment problems not visible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspections are addressed as quickly as possible. 

JCP&L also captured infrared images of electrical equipment using thermovision cameras. These high-tech inspections allow the company to detect potential problems within substations and on power lines that cannot be observed during regular visual inspections. The infrared technology shows heat on a color scale, with brighter colors or "hot spots" indicating potential equipment issues. Utility workers complete more detailed inspections and make repairs in these areas to prevent potential power outages in the future.

JCP&L crews are also prepared to respond in the event severe weather or hurricanes impact the area this summer. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms and eight to 13 hurricanes, including four to seven major hurricanes (category 3 or higher with winds above 111 mph).

Critical equipment, such as mobile substations, has been strategically staged closer to Jersey Shore and barrier island communities. This important step allows crews to respond to the higher demand for electricity due to tourism and helps restore power faster should outages occur following a major weather event. These areas typically absorb much of a hurricane or tropical storm's force as it makes landfall.

In northern New Jersey, flood walls have been tested at substations that are prone to impacts from overflowing rivers and streams during tropical rains. WATCH: Automated flood walls help reduce JCP&L outages

With the summer storm season also comes higher-than-usual temperatures and rising energy costs. Customers can take steps to manage their electric bill while beating the heat by using electricity wisely following these tips:

• Use fans, as moving air cools skin faster, resulting in greater comfort on hot days. However, remember to turn fans off when you leave the area – fans cool people, not rooms.
• During sunny weather, close drapes or blinds on windows facing the sun to prevent direct radiant heating from impacting interior temperatures.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to keep temperatures higher when no one is home and to reduce the temperature before arrival back home.
• Seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to prevent hot air from sneaking into your home.
• Check air conditioner and furnace fan filters. Clogged filters waste energy and money by forcing HVAC systems to work harder than necessary.
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day. The less heat produced at home, the less work the air conditioner must do.
• Payment arrangements and assistance programs are available for customers who need help with their electric bills. For more information, visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist.

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 X, formerly known as Twitter, @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com.

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 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 on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.

Editor's Note: Photos of workers conducting thermovision inspections to enhance service reliability for FirstEnergy customers are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel conducting a thermovision inspection and explaining the work can be found on the company's YouTube channel.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What preparations has JCP&L made for the summer heat and hurricane season?

JCP&L has conducted ground-based visual inspections, helicopter patrols, and infrared thermovision imaging to identify and address potential issues. They have also strategically staged critical equipment for quick response to outages.

How many miles of high-voltage transmission lines did JCP&L inspect?

JCP&L surveyed more than 700 miles of high-voltage transmission lines using helicopter patrols.

What is the forecast for the hurricane season, and how is JCP&L preparing?

NOAA predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season with 17 to 25 named storms. JCP&L has positioned mobile substations and tested flood walls to ensure quick response and power restoration.

How can customers save energy during peak heat months according to JCP&L?

Customers can use fans, close drapes, utilize programmable thermostats, seal leaks, check filters, and avoid heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours.

What is JCP&L's service area coverage?

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers across 13 counties in central and northern New Jersey.