FirstEnergy’s subsidiary, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has examined vegetation along more than 400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines situated in Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties in New Jersey through helicopter patrols from late July to early August.
The patrols are conducted annually to identify overgrown, dead or dying trees, broken poles, birds nesting on electrical equipment. The inspections, which are logged and prioritized, also look for issues to be addressed to help prevent service interruptions and ensure the reliability of the transmission system during summer and winter storm seasons.
The effect of tree-related power outages due to extreme weather conditions is prevented or reduced by maintaining proper clearances around transmission lines and electrical equipment. Vegetation near power lines are examined for tree trimming process and ensures health preservation of trees.
"Taking this proactive step to inspect our high-voltage lines for potential hazards is an important part of our vegetation management program and an effective way to reduce service interruptions for our customers," said Jim Fakult, president of FirstEnergy's New Jersey operations.
Under JCP&L's direction and in compliance with regulatory requirements, certified forestry contractors are trimming trees along more than 3,400 miles of power lines across the company’s 13-county central and northern New Jersey service area, as part of the company's $34 million vegetation management program in 2023.
