cleaning tips and tools: JCP&L performs pre-winter inspections and maintenance to keep power flowing...

The company advises customers on managing their seasonal heating bills

HOLMDEL, NJ , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has been conducting preventive maintenance and inspections to strengthen the power grid across its 3,200 residents. 000 inhabitants. They serve a one-square-mile service area and help ensure that electricity flows safely and reliably to customers during the cold winter months.

The work, which includes a proactive assessment of the lines' key equipment, vehicles and environment, ensures the system is ready to meet increased demand caused by colder temperatures and heavy snow, ice and wind on the poles , cables and substation equipment . during winter storms.

Doug Mokoid , President of FirstEnergy, New Jersey : "JCP&L customers depend on a safe and reliable power connection to stay warm and comfortable during these colder months. Although we've had a series of mild winters, we don't know what Mother Nature has in store for us. A big store awaits us this year and we are making sure our system, our team and our team members are ready for whatever the future brings.

Pre-season preparation included:

Winter suitability of substation buildings in which remote-controlled devices are housed.
Adjust the heating equipment for substation components to ensure that cold weather does not cause the equipment to malfunction.
Check the batteries used to power electrical devices that may detect abnormal conditions in the system, as well as the motors that operate switches to isolate these problems.
Conduct equipment inspections using high-tech thermal imaging cameras to look for hardware problems and possible "hot spots" or weak points in the plumbing.
Inspect transmission lines using a helicopter in areas not visible from the ground.
Maintain bucket trucks and other company vehicles to ensure safe operations during the winter season. Pay particular attention to the condition of the tires and air brake systems, which can freeze in wet conditions.
Check snow chains and snow removal equipment to ensure safe access to work sites.

Year-round tree trimming also helps strengthen the electrical system before the winter season by maintaining adequate clearances around electrical equipment. JCP&L and its certified arborists have trimmed trees along more than 3,100 miles of power lines so far this year, with more than 300 additional miles expected to be completed by the end of December.

In addition to infrastructure maintenance, JCP&L employees participated in preparedness exercises and drills throughout the year to test the company's recovery process to address winter storm-related power outages. With a focus on safety, management also discusses cold weather safety measures with field employees, including tips for managing slippery conditions and ensuring a safe arrival at work. Crews are also reminded to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in hot trucks to avoid frostbite and maintain mental focus.

Customers can read tips on preparing for severe weather in advance and view recovery updates if storms result in power outages by visiting FirstEnergy's 24-hour Power Center at firstenergycorp.com/outages .

Tips for customers in cold weather

Winter storm season also brings with it freezing temperatures and increased energy costs. Customers can take steps to keep their homes comfortable while keeping an eye on their electricity bill during the cold season. The following tips can help customers use electricity wisely during times of high demand:

Seal leaks on windows and door frames with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent cold air from entering your home.
Close the chimney damper when not in use to prevent cold air from entering.
Close the curtains at night. During the day, only open those exposed to direct sunlight.
Check the boiler blower filters. Clogged filters waste energy and money as the heating system works more than necessary.
Make sure your home is adequately insulated. If your insulation is less than 15cm, you will benefit from adding more.
Payment terms and assistance programs are available for customers who need help with their electric bill. For more information, visit firstenergycorp.com/billassisist .
For more energy efficiency tips, as well as free energy efficiency kits, home energy analyzers and details about JCP&L's other regulated energy efficiency programs, visit energysavenj.com .

JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in Burlington , Essex , Hunterdon , Mercer , Middlesex , Monmouth , Morris , Ocean , Passaic , Somerset , Sussex , Union and Warren counties. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L , on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com .

FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies represent one of the largest private electric networks in the country, serving customers in Ohio , Pennsylvania , New Jersey , West Virginia , Maryland and New York. The Company's transportation subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com .

Editor's Note: Photos of workers conducting inspections to improve service reliability for JCP&L customers are available for download on Flickr .

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