JCP&L's Ash Tree Removal Program Combats Tree-Related Power Outages

Rhea-AI Summary

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary, has intensified its efforts to remove dead and diseased ash trees in its New Jersey service area to reduce power outages. In 2024, JCP&L has already removed over 7,000 vulnerable ash trees, surpassing 2023 figures. The program, which began in 2017, has led to the removal of more than 64,000 ash trees affected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.

JCP&L invests at least $32.4 million annually in vegetation management along power lines. However, 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 were caused by trees outside these areas. The company's Green Team has also planted and donated over 2,500 trees in 2024 as part of its environmental stewardship efforts.

Positive

• Proactive removal of 7,000+ vulnerable ash trees in 2024, surpassing 2023 figures
• 64,000+ dead and diseased ash trees removed since 2017
• $32.4 million annual investment in vegetation management
• 2,500+ trees planted and donated by JCP&L Green Team in 2024

Negative

• 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 caused by trees outside managed areas
• Ongoing threat from Emerald Ash Borer affecting 24.7 million ash trees in New Jersey

Insights

Environmental and Utility Expert

JCP&L's proactive ash tree removal program demonstrates a strategic approach to mitigating power outages caused by the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The removal of over 7,000 vulnerable ash trees in 2024 alone, surpassing 2023 figures, indicates an escalation in their efforts to maintain grid reliability.

This initiative addresses a significant environmental and infrastructural challenge, as the New Jersey Department of Agriculture estimates 9% of the state's forested area is at risk. The program's focus on northern New Jersey, particularly Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties, aligns with the highest concentration of affected areas.

The $32.4 million annual investment in vegetation management, coupled with the removal of 64,000 ash trees since 2017, showcases a substantial commitment to long-term grid resilience. However, the fact that 86% of tree-related outages in 2023 were caused by trees outside rights-of-way suggests there's still room for improvement in their approach.

JCP&L's environmental stewardship efforts, including the planting of over 7,000 trees in three years, help offset the ecological impact of the removal program. This balanced approach to grid reliability and environmental conservation could positively influence public perception and regulatory relationships.

Removal of dead and diseased trees in 2024 has already surpassed 2023

HOLMDEL, N.J., Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has removed an increasing number of dead and diseased ash trees in portions of its New Jersey service territory this year as part of an effort to reduce power outages caused by at-risk trees near power lines.

So far in 2024, JCP&L arborists have identified and removed more than 7,000 vulnerable ash trees, almost exclusively in northern New Jersey. Throughout all of Sussex County and portions of northern Warren County, 3,275 ash trees have been cut down.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "The devastating effects of the Emerald Ash Borer are scarring New Jersey's environment and increasing the risk these dead and dying trees pose to our power lines and equipment. Proactive removal efforts are a vital part of ensuring that our customers continue to receive the safe and reliable electric service that they expect from us."

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that infests and can kill every species of ash tree in North America. It was first detected in New Jersey in 2014, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture estimates that approximately 9% of the state's total forested area, or 24.7 million ash trees, are susceptible to the insect. While commonly planted along streets in cities and towns across the state, most ash trees are concentrated in the northwestern portion of New Jersey.

Since mitigation efforts began in 2017, JCP&L's certified arborists have identified and removed more than 64,000 dead and diseased ash trees. Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties have seen the most activity, with nearly 15,000 trees taken down in Sussex and Warren and more than 17,000 removed in Hunterdon and portions of western Somerset County.

To learn more about JCP&L's vegetation management efforts, visit firstenergycorp.com/trees.

The efforts are an extension of JCP&L's efforts to address tree-related outages through vegetation management. Each year, the company spends at least $32.4 million to trim trees and manage vegetation in its rights-of-way along thousands of miles of power lines. However, 86% of tree-related outages in JCP&L's service territory in 2023 were caused by trees outside of these rights-of-way.  If you believe a tree poses a risk to power lines, you can report it on JCP&L's website, and company foresters can assess the situation.

As part of the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, JCP&L Green Team volunteers have planted and donated more than 2,500 trees in the state this year, and more than 7,000 trees over the past three years. These teams plant hardy species that are more resistant to pests and disease in areas that won't impact the electric system. The work compliments efforts by company volunteers across FirstEnergy's footprint, who have planted and donated more than 91,000 trees since 2020.

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 @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.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

How many ash trees has JCP&L removed in 2024?

JCP&L has removed over 7,000 vulnerable ash trees in 2024, surpassing the number removed in 2023.

What is the main reason for JCP&L's ash tree removal program?

The main reason is to reduce power outages caused by dead and diseased ash trees near power lines.

How much does JCP&L invest annually in vegetation management?

JCP&L invests at least $32.4 million annually in vegetation management along power lines.

What percentage of tree-related outages were caused by trees outside JCP&L's rights-of-way in 2023?

86% of tree-related outages in JCP&L's service territory in 2023 were caused by trees outside of their rights-of-way.

How many trees has JCP&L's Green Team planted and donated in 2024?

JCP&L's Green Team has planted and donated more than 2,500 trees in New Jersey in 2024.