JCP&L Completes Work on Springfield Power Circuits

In a press statement released this week, Jersey Central Power & Light announced they have completed upgrades on circuits serving Springfield.  

JCP&L reported they have replaced wire, installed additional lightning arrestors and fuses and devices that separate wires and protect lines from overloading to limit the frequency and duration of power outages.  

“Circuit upgrades are a result of the planning and analysis we do each year,” JCP&L President Don Lynch said in an email. “The planned projects serve to reinforce the distribution network serving our customers.”  

Springfield Township Administrator Anthony Cancro reported work was performed on circuits feeding the Waverly Substation located off of Waverly Ave in Springfield. JCP&L replaced old style lighting arresters with updated arresters and installed animal guards on S. Maple Ave, Joanne Way, Colonial Terr, Warner Ave,  Marion Ave, Battlehill Ave, and install a 600 amp disconnect switch at the corner of Main Street and Taft Lane. 

The upgrades are a part of JCP&L’s $200 million investment in 2012 that commenced in February.

Springfield's official relationship with the power company has been rocky; In September, 2011, Township Administrator Anthony Cancro lodged an official complaint with the state’s Board of Public Utilities concerning JCP&L's response to Tropical Storm Irene.

The repairs came as a surprise to Springfield officials and administrators who said they were not kept in the loop for the work.

"It's unfortunate that we weren't told about it and have had a chance to have input," Shehady said. 

Nonetheless, he said they welcomed the results. 

"It's great," Shehady said. It's fantastic. But there are a lot of places in Springfield in need.

Since 2001, JCP&L, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, has invested more than $1.6 billion in capital improvements to its distribution network.