JCP&L Conducts Annual Storm Restoration Exercise to Prepare for Hurricane Season, Summer Storms

Rhea-AI Summary

On May 21, 2021, Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE), completed its annual storm restoration exercise in preparation for hurricane season. For the first time, the training was conducted virtually due to COVID-19 safety protocols. The drill involved various employee groups and emphasized power restoration during severe weather. Enhancements made from past storms include improved communication and restoration processes. JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers across New Jersey, ensuring emergency preparedness and service reliability.

Positive

• Completed storm restoration exercise demonstrating preparedness for hurricane season.
• Enhanced restoration processes and communication improvements for better service.
• Collaboration with local emergency management for operational readiness.

Negative

• None.

HOLMDEL, N.J., May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), this week completed its annual storm restoration exercise as part of preparations for hurricane season and potential severe storms that commonly occur during the summer months.

The emergency readiness training, which typically takes place at JCP&L's Holmdel office, was held virtually for the first time, in line with current COVID-19 safety protocols for social distancing and indoor gatherings, and included a focus on restoring power in a severe weather event during a pandemic. JCP&L employees from the Operations, Engineering, Safety, Logistics, Communications, External Affairs, Customer Support, Facilities, Corporate Support and Planning and Analysis groups participated in the drill, which was observed by representatives of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

"There is no such thing as being overprepared for the storm season," said Alex Patton, JCP&L vice president of Operations. "Regular exercises such as these ensure everyone is confident in their roles, emphasize the importance of safety, and allow us to test improvements we have made in a real-world scenario. They are another way that we invest in reliability for our customers."

Among the items exercised were new actions incorporated following Tropical Storm Isaias last summer that will help enrich service for JCP&L customers, including:

• Enhancements to the estimated times of restoration processes to improve initial accuracy;
• Comprehensive improvements in communications with customers, as well as local officials;
• Upgraded systems in the event of facility outages to increase reliability and allow for faster response times.

As part of the collaboration with local governments, JCP&L officials have met with representatives of the offices of emergency management in the counties that make up the company's 1.1-million customer service area.

This week's drill utilized the federal Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a nationally recognized and accepted emergency management structure used by all levels of government – federal, state, tribal and local – as well as by many non-governmental and private sector organizations, such as JCP&L, to improve coordination and collaboration during major storms or other natural disasters.

"Our teams are always at the ready and follow a prescribed process when storms are in the forecast," said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. "Preparation is important for us, and as hurricane season begins, our customers should start to make sure their families are prepared as well."

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and family storm plans should include extra batteries and flashlights, blankets and sleeping bags, emergency supplies of bottled water and convenient, non-perishable foods. These tips and more can be found at www.firstenergycorp.com/storm_info.  

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 Corp. 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. Follow FirstEnergy and its utilities on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @OhioEdison, @MonPowerWV, @JCP_L, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power.                                     

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the purpose of JCP&L's storm restoration exercise on May 21, 2021?

The exercise aims to prepare for hurricane season and ensure effective power restoration during severe weather.

How many customers does JCP&L serve?

JCP&L serves approximately 1.1 million customers in New Jersey.

What are the main improvements JCP&L implemented following past storms?

JCP&L enhanced estimated restoration times, improved customer communication, and upgraded outage response systems.

When does hurricane season officially begin according to JCP&L's announcement?

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1.

What safety protocols did JCP&L follow during the storm restoration exercise?

The exercise was held virtually in line with COVID-19 safety protocols for social distancing and indoor gatherings.