Recent infrastructure investments by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) are delivering tangible results for residents and businesses, yielding significantly fewer power outages and faster restoration times across Somerset County.
More than $3 million directed into local grid modernization has cut outages by as much as half and accelerated power restoration by up to 62% in Bedminster, Bernards, and Bernardsville.
“Less time without power means more time for family activities, for stores to sell their goods and for local businesses to drive economic growth,” Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy president of New Jersey said. “Smart, targeted investments like these help improve reliability in ways customers can see and feel.”
Residents in Bedminster and Bernards’ The Hills neighborhood—a region historically challenged by steep terrain and legacy equipment—are among the primary beneficiaries of the overhaul. JCP&L deployed a series of upgrades designed to harden the local grid against disruptions, including:
- Upgraded underground and overhead power lines
- Targeted, enhanced tree-trimming initiatives
- Automated fault isolation technology to prevent cascading outages
- Advanced sectionalizing devices that allow crews to dynamically reroute power during active repairs
The localized metrics reflect substantial improvements. The Upper Hills region experienced a 52% reduction in outages and a 65% drop in total time without power, while the Lower Hills saw 38% fewer outages and a 56% decrease in duration.
In Bernardsville, where a 2023 tornado severely impacted aging infrastructure in difficult-to-reach railroad corridors, JCP&L completely rebuilt lines using more durable materials. Additionally, lines were relocated to more accessible areas, allowing maintenance crews to safely reach and repair equipment much faster following severe weather events. These fixes have driven a 32% decrease in outages and a 62% boost in restoration speeds.
The Somerset County enhancements are part of a broader, statewide push by JCP&L to future-proof New Jersey’s electrical grid. The company deployed over $1 billion in capital improvements last year alone. Under FirstEnergy’s broader $36 billion “Energize365” initiative, another $6.9 billion in capital investments is planned for New Jersey through 2030, aimed at driving long-term reliability and modernizing infrastructure for the state’s 1.2 million JCP&L customers.
