JCP&L completes substation

MANALAPAN - Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) has installed a new modular substation on Route 33 to serve customers in Manalapan.

The new substation is in the vicinity of the Brunswick Lanes bowling alley on the eastbound side of Route 33.

According to a press release from the utility, a modular substation features a power transformer that reduces voltage to serve customers. Two new circuits have also been built to serve growth in the immediate area of the township where more than 2,000 new homes or condominiums are being constructed.

The modular substation is one of 12 scheduled to be put in service by JCP&L in 2007, designed to accommodate rapid customer growth and ensure continued improvements in reliable electric delivery service to customers in the area.

During the past five years, JCP&L has made significant investments in the construction and maintenance of its electrical system, nearly doubling capital spending from $97 million in 2002 to more than $188 million in 2007, according to the press release.

JCP&L's increased investment, additions, upgrades and improvements to its infrastructure have contributed to the significant reductions to both the duration and number of customers affected by power outages. Since 2004, the average number of customers affected per interruption has decreased by 15 percent. The duration of service interruptions has decreased by nearly 25 percent, according to the utility.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties. JCP&L's central New Jersey service area is comprised of all or portions of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The northern New Jersey service area includes all or portions of Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.