A major upgrade is advancing in Monmouth County to improve electric service for thousands of Jersey Central Power & Light customers.
The project includes rebuilding and modernizing a section of the local power grid to strengthen reliability and reduce the frequency and length of outages.
JCP&L, a FirstEnergy Corp. electric company, is constructing a high-voltage power line between two substations in Middletown Township and Red Bank Borough. This new line will provide a backup source of electricity in case a main power line is out of service because of bad weather or unexpected problems.
The project includes installing about half a mile of power lines underground after crossing the Navesink River Bridge and adding a mile of stronger overhead lines on existing poles. Near the Red Bank substation, a wooden pole will be added to switch the line from overhead to underground, completing the connection.
“We know how much our customers rely on dependable electricity to power their homes, businesses and daily lives. We’re investing in Monmouth County’s energy future to help reduce outages, speed up restoration times and support the growth of our communities for years to come,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president of New Jersey.
The company said the upgrade will help balance electricity demand across the system and give JCP&L more options to restore power quickly if there’s an emergency or maintenance work. It also replaces infrastructure originally built in the 1970s with stronger, more modern equipment designed to better withstand severe weather and other common outage causes, such as tree and animal interference.
Once completed, the project will benefit nearly 11,400 JCP&L customers by:
- Supporting future growth in homes, businesses and infrastructure by strengthening the grid’s reliability, capacity and flexibility, and helping ensure consistent service as the community expands.
- Reducing the frequency of outages and speeding up restoration times.
- Enhancing the overall resiliency of the local electric grid.
Construction began in September 2025 and is expected to wrap up by February 2026, pending final approvals.
This project is part of a $1.6 million investment to make the electric system stronger and more reliable for Northern Monmouth County.Â
