How JCP&L’s grid modernization efforts are enhancing power reliability in Mercer County

Jersey Central Power & Light, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has embarked on a major infrastructure upgrade in Mercer County, New Jersey, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the region’s electric grid. The enhancements, aimed at improving power reliability and reducing service disruptions, will benefit nearly 1,000 customers in Hopewell Township. The project is a key component of FirstEnergy’s extensive grid modernization efforts, which include a multi-year investment to develop a more robust and resilient power system across its service territories.

With nearly $900 million allocated for capital improvements in 2025 alone, JCP&L is implementing targeted upgrades that will help prevent outages, improve voltage stability, and better equip the grid to handle severe weather conditions. These initiatives align with FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, a long-term commitment to strengthening power delivery across six states while integrating advanced grid technologies.

What Upgrades Are Being Made to Mercer County’s Electric Grid?

JCP&L’s infrastructure improvements focus on enhancing both above-ground and underground power distribution systems to create a more resilient network. The project includes the replacement of approximately four miles of existing power infrastructure with reinforced poles and high-capacity overhead wiring. These upgrades will enhance the ability of the grid to withstand severe storms and efficiently carry higher electricity loads, minimizing the risk of power failures.

Additionally, JCP&L is installing 0.25 miles of underground cabling to connect critical upgrade zones. This underground infrastructure will offer greater protection from external elements, such as fallen tree branches or strong winds, while providing additional flexibility in directing power flow.

To further strengthen reliability, the company is increasing the number of automated protective devices along the upgraded sections of the grid. Newly installed reclosers will enable power to be automatically rerouted in the event of an outage, reducing the number of affected customers and shortening restoration times. Advanced TripSaver devices are also being integrated into the system, allowing minor disturbances—such as temporary line obstructions—to be automatically cleared without requiring manual intervention from repair crews.

JCP&L is also intensifying tree-trimming and vegetation management initiatives across the region. By proactively clearing potential obstructions, the company aims to prevent service disruptions caused by encroaching foliage and fallen branches during extreme weather conditions.

How Does This Project Fit Into FirstEnergy’s Broader Strategy?

The Mercer County power system improvements are a critical part of JCP&L’s Supplemental High Priority Circuit Program, which is designed to enhance the performance of power lines that have historically experienced higher-than-average outages. This initiative expands upon the New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, a multi-phase effort aimed at strengthening grid performance across the state. The first phase of this program, involving at least $95 million in targeted upgrades, is expected to be completed within three years, while the second phase will continue through 2028.

These enhancements are aligned with FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, a $26 billion investment plan spanning from 2024 to 2028. The overarching goal of this initiative is to create a smarter, more secure power grid capable of meeting current customer needs while preparing for future energy demands. By integrating advanced infrastructure and smart grid technologies, FirstEnergy aims to deliver enhanced reliability, increased energy efficiency, and greater resilience against service interruptions.

JCP&L’s service area encompasses 1.1 million customers across New Jersey, covering counties such as Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

How Are Power Grid Upgrades Expanding Beyond New Jersey?

Beyond Mercer County, FirstEnergy is making substantial investments to modernize power distribution networks in multiple states. One of the latest projects completed by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, operating as West Penn Power, involves a significant grid upgrade in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The initiative focused on rebuilding a key section of the power distribution network in Unity Township, an area experiencing increasing energy demand.

West Penn Power crews reconstructed a two-mile segment of an existing 12-kilovolt (kV) distribution line along Unity Street-Unity Cemetery Road, installing higher-capacity wiring designed to improve voltage stability. As part of the upgrade, the company also replaced 15 utility poles, installed 70 crossarms, and upgraded hundreds of aging insulators and fuses to strengthen system performance.

According to John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, these enhancements will significantly improve electric service reliability for more than 500 customers in Unity Township. The infrastructure improvements will also provide additional capacity to support anticipated residential and commercial growth in the region.

West Penn Power’s grid enhancements are part of FirstEnergy’s Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan, an initiative that accelerates capital investments in electric distribution systems across Pennsylvania. Like the upgrades in Mercer County, these projects are closely tied to the broader Energize365 program, reflecting FirstEnergy’s strategy of integrating advanced grid technologies and fortifying infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Why Are These Upgrades Critical for Customers?

As electricity demand continues to grow and climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, utilities are under mounting pressure to strengthen grid resilience. The investments by JCP&L and West Penn Power reflect a proactive approach to modernizing infrastructure, minimizing service disruptions, and ensuring long-term energy stability for residential and commercial customers alike.

Through a combination of reinforced poles, underground wiring, automated protective devices, and proactive vegetation management, these initiatives aim to deliver significant improvements in outage prevention and service restoration times. Customers in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania stand to benefit from a more secure, efficient, and adaptable power grid that can withstand modern energy challenges.

With FirstEnergy committed to investing billions in power system improvements, ongoing projects across multiple states will continue to enhance grid reliability, support economic growth, and future-proof energy distribution networks. As modernization efforts advance, customers can expect a more resilient energy infrastructure designed to meet the evolving demands of the 21st century.