Jersey Central Power & Light announced Friday that it will begin installing smart meters on customers’ homes and businesses throughout its service territory in 2023.
Smart meters are a part of JCP&L’s plan to modernize the electric distribution system and increase energy efficiency. The company said it intends to install 1.1 million smart meters over a 36-month period.
Approximately one-third of the smart meters are expected to be installed each year, with the majority of JCP&L customers receiving a smart meter by 2026.
Smart meters differ from traditional electric meters in that they allow for two-way communication and automated meter reading. They also help ensure accurate billing each month by virtually eliminating estimated readings. Customers will be able track energy consumption to better manage their electricity costs and reduce energy usage.
Future benefits include the ability to detect and locate outages more quickly and provide more accurate and timely storm restoration information.
The plan by JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., was approved this week by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
“Smart meters help ensure accurate readings and will provide customers with information they need to better manage their electricity use,” JCP&L President Jim Fakult said. “In the future, it will also help us restore power more quickly, especially in storm situations.
About JCP&L
JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.
“FirstEnergy has had tremendous success with this technology in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and we are excited to bring it to our customers in New Jersey.”
About one month prior to smart meter installation, customers will receive information by mail addressing common questions and notifying them of their upcoming installation. On the day of installation, customers can expect the process to take minutes, with minimal disruption to their electric service. Customers will have the ability to opt out of receiving a smart meter by paying a monthly fee.
Across its service territory, FirstEnergy has installed more than 2.7 million smart meters since 2014. Smart meter implementation efforts are nearly complete in Pennsylvania and currently underway in Ohio.
