JCP&L Spending $200 Million to Improve Infrastructure

Jersey Central Power & Light will invest $200 million this year to improve its infrastructure in North Jersey, the company announced Thursday.

Local improvements include building a new distribution circuit to improve power to customers in the Butler-Riverdale area. This will help protect against future power losses.

The upgrade is part of JCP&L’s $2.5 million investment to improve 90 such circuits. The upgrades are slated to improve service to 100,000 North Jersey customers. The company provides power to approximately 10 to 15 percent of Wayne.

"The projects all work to serve all of our customers and improve distribution throughout the system," said Ron Morano, JCP&L spokesman. 

Utility poles will be inspected and replaced as needed. Inspections will begin in the spring. Work will be completed throughout the fall.

The company will also trim trees near poles and other structures to reduce the risk of them getting damaged.

Wayne residents, including Mayor Chris Vergano, blasted the utility company for its perceived lack of response to restoring power in the days following Tropical Storm Sandy.

Officials are working to have the state Board of Public Utilities revoke company's license to sell power in Wayne.

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