Throughout August and September, Jersey Central Power & Light will perform vegetation management work in 24 New Jersey municipalities as part of the electric utility's program to improve reliability throughout its service territory.
"Before the end of the year we expect to trim more than 3,900 miles of lines, improve clearances, remove dangerous trees and perform additional spot trimming," said Holly Kauffman, JCP&L vice president of Operations. "This work plays an important role in delivering reliable service to customers."
Trees and tree branches that fall into electric lines are a leading cause of power outages, and when trees and power lines touch, it can create a dangerous condition. JCP&L's certified contractors have already trimmed trees along more than 1,500 miles of the company's distribution and sub-transmission circuits in 2012. The work will continue throughout the year.
JCP&L tree contractors will work in the following municipalities in August and September: Atlantic Highlands, Basking Ridge, Beachwood, Berkeley Township, Blairstown Township, Brick Township, Denville, Frelinghuysen Township, Green Village, Hardwick, Hope, Howell, Independence Township, Knowlton Township, Lacey Township, Lakewood Township, Middletown, Mountain Lakes, Morristown, New Providence, New Vernon, Parsippany, Red Bank and Wall.
The company's certified forestry experts inspect vegetation near the lines to ensure trees are pruned in a manner that preserves the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may also be removed.
JCP&L works with municipalities to inform them of vegetation management schedules. Customers living in areas along company right-of-ways are also notified prior to work being done.
