NEW JERSEY — FirstEnergy officials are reminding residents that company employees and authorized contractors may need to access areas on or near private property as part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe and reliable electric service.
According to the utility, workers may enter designated rights of way — areas where FirstEnergy companies have legal access to install, operate and maintain electric infrastructure. While advance notice is typically provided, officials said that is not always possible, particularly when urgent repairs or storm-related work are required.
Residents may see FirstEnergy team members performing a variety of tasks critical to keeping power flowing. These include conducting land and environmental studies for future infrastructure projects, building or repairing equipment such as poles and wires, and performing routine maintenance aimed at preventing outages and addressing safety hazards.
Vegetation management is also a common reason for field visits. Tree trimming and plant removal help prevent interference with power lines, which officials said is a leading cause of power outages. Crews may also check for unauthorized items near electric equipment, such as sheds, pools or flammable materials, that could pose safety risks.
In addition, workers may be involved in restoring power following storms or other emergencies, requiring rapid response and immediate access to affected areas.
FirstEnergy said in-person visits may also occur in connection with smart meters. The company has installed more than four million smart meters across its six-state service area, including New Jersey. While smart meters allow for automated readings, field visits may still be necessary to verify data or perform maintenance to ensure accurate billing and reliable service.
Utility officials acknowledged that seeing workers near a property without prior notice can be unsettling. They emphasized that all FirstEnergy employees and authorized contractors carry official company-issued photo identification and should be able to clearly explain the purpose of their visit.
Residents with questions about the legitimacy of a field employee are encouraged to contact FirstEnergy’s Customer Care team for verification.
