SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — Jersey Central Power & Light is urging customers in parts of Sussex County to conserve electricity Tuesday as crews perform emergency repairs at a Franklin substation.
According to a public notice shared by Franklin Borough police, residents are being asked to reduce electricity usage through 8 p.m., particularly between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when energy demand is typically highest.
“If electricity demand becomes too high, JCP&L may need to temporarily interrupt power in certain areas to protect the electrical system and prevent larger outages,” the notice stated.
JCP&L spokesman Chris Hoenig told RNJ that an issue developed Monday at a substation in Franklin Borough that required immediate repairs.
“We had an issue arise at a substation in Franklin Monday that requires immediate repairs. They’re labor-intensive and time-consuming,” Hoenig said.
Hoenig said the utility has shifted electric load throughout the system while repairs continue and has also asked customers served by neighboring substations, including parts of Franklin, Frankford, Wantage, Hamburg and Sparta, to help reduce electricity demand.
“As a result, we’ve moved electric load around, but with the heat Tuesday, that abnormal set up can put extra strain on the system, so the request to our customers is to help manage that demand during the peak heat hours today,” Hoenig said.
The company encouraged customers to take small energy-saving steps, including turning off unused lights and delaying use of large appliances until later in the evening.
“Every little bit helps, so small steps like shutting off the lights if you’re not in a room or waiting to run larger appliances like washers and dryers or dishwashers until later at night can make a real difference,” Hoenig said.
Additional energy-saving tips are available on FirstEnergy’s website.
