JCP&L Tree-Trimming Hopes To Reduce Power Outages In Bayville

BERKELEY, NJ — Jersey Central Power & Light is investing about $34 million across its service area to trim trees and reduce power outages, the company announced.

Trees will be trimmed along more than 3,400 miles of power lines across JCP&L's entire area, including in Bayville, according to a news release.

Trimming should occur in the next two months, JCP&L said. Those living in areas along company rights-of-way will be notified prior to work being performed.

The work will help prevent or minimize the impact of tree-related damage during severe weather, as fallen trees and branches contacting lines and electrical equipment remain a leading cause of power outages.

Since Jan. 1, JCP&L contractors have successfully completed trimming along more than 760 miles of lines, with nearly 2,700 miles of additional trimming expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"Tree trimming is a year-round effort by our crews and contractors and just one of the proactive steps we take to minimize the impact of power outages and ensure the safe, reliable delivery of electricity," said James Fakult, president of FirstEnergy's New Jersey operations. "Doing this work in a responsible way is also a priority, as our stewardship of the environment and our communities is a core value for JCP&L."

JCP&L said it inspects vegetation near power lines so that trees are pruned in a way that preserves their health while still maintaining proper clearances around electrical equipment. All trimming work is conducted by certified forestry contractors under the company's direction and done in compliance with regulatory requirements, JCP&L said.

Crews are also continuing a multi-year effort to identify and remove deteriorated ash trees that have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Last year, nearly 40 percent of tree-related power outages in JCP&L's service territory were caused by ash trees. Since the initiative to mitigate the dangers posed by these trees began in 2017, nearly 20,000 dead or diseased trees have been removed, the company said.