MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has initiated a significant $78 million upgrade to a transmission substation in Morristown. The project is designed to elevate critical equipment above potential flood levels, significantly enhancing service reliability for 23,000 customers in northern New Jersey.
The initiative responds to the increasing flood risk from the nearby Whippany River, especially pertinent during hurricane season. By raising substation equipment, JCP&L aims to prevent or minimize power outages due to flooding.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President in New Jersey, emphasized the project’s importance, acknowledging the support from local officials. He stated, “This project is a major undertaking that will help ensure that our customers continue to receive the safe, reliable service they expect from us even as our state sees increasing impacts from Mother Nature.”
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the project includes aesthetic enhancements to the substation site, which lies along a busy residential and commercial thoroughfare. Plans include planting shade and ornamental trees, installing decorative pavers, and adding sculptural benches. A new screening wall will also be erected to provide a visual barrier and enhanced security around the substation equipment, requiring a variance due to height restrictions from the town.
The upgraded facility will play a crucial role in local and regional power distribution, connecting with other substations across northern New Jersey. The project is slated for completion by December 2025.
JCP&L serves approximately 1.1 million customers across 13 counties in New Jersey. For more information, customers can follow JCP&L on X (formerly known as Twitter) @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL, or visit their website at jcp-l.com.
