Tree-Trimming Work Underway to Help Prevent or Minimize Power Outages for JCP&L Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light is implementing a comprehensive tree-trimming program along 3,400 miles of power lines to enhance electric service reliability. The $32.5 million plan is part of an annual increase in tree trimming efforts agreed upon with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. JCP&L will invest an additional $2.5 million annually for the next five years to expand tree-trimming zones along high-priority circuits.

Insights

Energy Sector Analyst

The announcement by FirstEnergy Corp. about the expansion of its vegetation management program by JCP&L highlights a proactive approach to maintaining service reliability. The investment of $32.5 million, with a subsequent annual increase of $1.5 million, is significant as it underscores the company's commitment to infrastructure resilience, particularly in a state like New Jersey, which is prone to severe weather events. By focusing on tree-trimming, JCP&L is addressing the primary cause of power outages, which can have a ripple effect on the local economy and the daily operations of businesses. Investors may view this as a positive move towards reducing the likelihood of service disruptions, which can be costly not just for the company in terms of emergency repairs, but also for the customers who rely on uninterrupted power supply.

From a financial perspective, the additional $2.5 million expenditure for expanding tree-trimming zones along high-priority circuits, based on historical outage data, suggests a strategic allocation of resources. This could translate into improved efficiency and potentially lower operational costs over time, as preventative measures can be more cost-effective than post-damage repairs. The impact on the stock market could be seen in the form of investor confidence in the company's management and operational strategies, possibly influencing the stock's performance positively.

Environmental Consultant

The environmental implications of FirstEnergy Corp.'s initiative are twofold. Firstly, the careful inspection and pruning of vegetation by certified forestry contractors can contribute to the health of local ecosystems. Pruning, when done correctly, can improve tree health and prevent disease spread. However, it is essential that these activities are conducted in an environmentally sensitive manner to minimize any potential negative impacts on wildlife habitats. Secondly, by enhancing the reliability of the electric grid, this initiative indirectly supports the broader transition to cleaner energy sources. A stable grid is important for integrating renewable energy sources, which are inherently more variable in nature. As the energy sector moves towards sustainability, such investments in grid reliability may become more common and can be seen as aligning with environmental and regulatory trends.

For stakeholders concerned with environmental stewardship, the company's approach to vegetation management could be seen as a positive step. It reflects a balance between operational needs and ecological considerations, potentially strengthening the company's reputation in the eyes of environmentally-conscious investors and customers.

Risk Management Consultant

FirstEnergy Corp.'s proactive tree-trimming initiative represents a strategic risk management decision. By identifying and targeting 18 high-priority circuits that have historically contributed to outages, JCP&L is effectively using data to prioritize and mitigate risks. This approach not only helps in preventing power outages but also in managing the financial risk associated with unplanned outages and emergency maintenance. For stakeholders, such risk mitigation efforts can be reassuring, as they suggest that the company is taking deliberate steps to avoid potential future costs and service disruptions.

In addition, as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, the importance of such preventative measures is likely to increase. Investors may perceive this as a long-term strategy to safeguard against the growing risks associated with climate-related disruptions. This could enhance the company's risk profile and potentially lead to more favorable terms in insurance and financing, reflecting positively on the company's financial health and resilience.

Work includes trimming along more than 3,400 miles of power lines

HOLMDEL, N.J., April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is trimming trees along more than 3,400 miles of power lines across its 13-county service territory as part of its ongoing efforts to help enhance electric service reliability. This comprehensive vegetation management program is designed to help keep power flowing to customers by helping to reduce tree-related outages, such as those that can occur during severe weather.  

This year's $32.5 million plan is the first of an annual $1.5 million increase in tree trimming agreed to as part of a settlement with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). JCP&L will also spend an additional $2.5 million for each of the next five years to further expand the tree-trimming zones along 18 high-priority circuits throughout their central and northern New Jersey service territory. These circuits were identified through historical outage data.

Jim Fakult, President, JCP&L: "Falling trees and branches are the number one cause of power outages for our customers in New Jersey. Our year-round tree-trimming efforts are one of the most effective proactive steps we can take to help ensure safe, reliable and affordable electric service to our customers, especially as we move into the summer storm season."

Completed on a four-year cycle, JCP&L's tree-trimming program includes inspecting vegetation near power lines to ensure trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree while maintaining proper clearances around electrical equipment. Tree trimming is conducted by certified forestry contractors under the company's direction.

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

Since January 1, contractors have trimmed trees along more than 638 miles of power lines, with a total of 3,419 miles expected to be completed by year end.

While JCP&L's tree-trimming program is designed to lower the risk of tree-related outages, work is limited to company rights-of-way. In 2023, 86% of tree-related outages in JCP&L's service territory were caused by trees located 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.

JCP&L will trim trees in the following counties and municipalities over the next two months:

• Burlington – Chesterfield, Mansfield, New Hanover, North Hanover, Pemberton, Springfield, Wrightstown
• Hunterdon – Alexandria, Clinton, Delaware Twp., East Amwell, Flemington, Frenchtown, Holland Twp., Kingwood, Lebanon, Milford, Readington, Stockton, Tewksbury, West Amwell
• Mercer – East Windsor, Hightstown
• Middlesex – Cranbury, Laurence Harbor, Monroe, Old Bridge
• Monmouth – Aberdeen, Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, Englishtown, Howell, Manalapan, Matawan, Neptune Twp., Neptune City, Ocean Twp., Wall
• Morris – Chatham, Chatham Twp., Chester, Denville, Harding, Long Hill, Madison, Mountain Lakes, Mt. Olive, Parsippany-Troy Hills
• Ocean – Beachwood, Berkeley, Brick, Island Heights, Jackson, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Manchester, Plumsted, Point Pleasant Boro, South Toms River, Toms River
• Passaic – Ringwood, Wanaque, Wayne
• Somerset – Bernards, Bernardsville, Bridgewater, Far Hills, Peapack and Gladstone, Warren Twp.
• Sussex – Andover, Andover Twp., Byram, Franklin, Fredon, Frelinghuysen, Green Twp., Stillwater, Walpack
• Union – Berkeley Heights, Springfield, Summit
• Warren – Allamuchy, Blairstown, Hardwick, Hope, Independence, Knowlton, Washington

Crews are also continuing a multi-year effort to identify and remove deteriorated ash trees that have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Nearly 53,000 dead and dying ash trees have been removed in JCP&L's service area, primarily in northern New Jersey, since the initiative began in 2017.

JCP&L works with municipalities to proactively inform them of vegetation management schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way are notified prior to work being performed. To help further decrease tree-related outages, JCP&L's foresters are also working to educate residents who live near company equipment about the importance of properly maintaining trees on their own property.

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 http://www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.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 more than six million 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 and on X @FirstEnergyCorp. 

Editor's Note: Photos of workers using bucket trucks to trim trees near FirstEnergy power lines are available for download on Flickr. A video explaining FirstEnergy's vegetation management techniques can also be found on YouTube.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is FirstEnergy Corp.'s ticker symbol?

FirstEnergy Corp.'s ticker symbol is FE.

How many miles of power lines are being trimmed by Jersey Central Power & Light?

Jersey Central Power & Light is trimming trees along more than 3,400 miles of power lines.

How much is JCP&L investing in tree trimming this year?

JCP&L is investing $32.5 million in tree trimming efforts this year.

What is the additional amount JCP&L will spend annually for the next five years?

JCP&L will spend an additional $2.5 million annually for the next five years to expand tree-trimming zones.

Who is the President of JCP&L?

Jim Fakult is the President of JCP&L.