Middletown, NJ Grapples with Widespread Power Outages Driven by JCP&L Infrastructure Upgrades
Middletown, New Jersey – Residents and businesses along the bustling Rt. 35 corridor in Middletown experienced significant power disruptions on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with intermittent outages extending into the evening. The cause, according to Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), was a necessary upgrade project aimed at enhancing the reliability and capacity of the local electrical grid.
The Cause: A Necessary Upgrade Project
JCP&L spokesman Chris Hoenig confirmed that crews were actively engaged in an upgrade project along the Rt. 35 corridor. This project involves the installation of stronger, thicker wires and more robust poles, designed to bolster the system's resilience and better manage electricity demand. While essential for long-term service improvement, the work directly led to the unexpected power interruptions experienced by many.
Safety First: Temporary Disablement of Automatic Restoration
A key factor contributing to the prolonged nature of some outages was a deliberate decision by JCP&L to temporarily alter the settings on devices designed to automatically restore power. Hoenig explained that this measure was implemented to ensure the safety of the line workers performing the critical upgrade tasks. By preventing automatic re-energization, JCP&L aimed to mitigate the risk of electrical hazards to their crews working on live or potentially live equipment.
Timeline of Disruptions
The power outages were not a single, isolated event but rather occurred in stages throughout Wednesday. The first notable disruption took place between 1:05 PM and 1:41 PM, primarily affecting the Middletown area. However, a more widespread and impactful outage occurred later in the evening. This subsequent event extended its reach to the entirety of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, and critically, affected the entire Rt. 35 corridor in Middletown. Businesses such as Trader Joe's and ShopRite, along with numerous homes and commercial establishments situated along the highway, lost electricity.
Impact on Local Infrastructure and Traffic
The loss of power had an immediate and noticeable effect on local infrastructure, most notably the traffic lights along Rt. 35. Mayor Tony Perry took to Facebook to alert residents, stating, "A widespread power outage is currently impacting parts of Middletown in the areas around Rt. 35 and New Monmouth Road." He further warned, "Traffic lights are currently not operating on the highway and impacting both commercial and residential areas. If possible, please avoid these areas." The Middletown Police Department was deployed to assist with traffic control, helping vehicles navigate intersections where signals were non-operational, underscoring the immediate safety concerns arising from the outage.
JCP&L's Commitment to Improvement
Despite the inconvenience caused to the community, JCP&L emphasized the long-term benefits of the ongoing upgrade project. "We are currently working on an upgrade project on the lines that run through that corridor – stronger, thicker wire and poles to add resiliency and better handle capacity," Hoenig reiterated. This proactive approach to infrastructure modernization is a common practice for utility companies seeking to prevent more frequent and severe outages in the future, especially as energy demands continue to grow and weather patterns become more unpredictable.
Community Reaction and Future Outlook
The power outages, while disruptive, also highlight the essential role of reliable electricity in modern life. Local officials and residents alike expressed a degree of understanding for the necessity of infrastructure work, though the immediate impact on daily routines and business operations was significant. Moving forward, JCP&L's commitment to upgrading its network is expected to lead to a more robust and dependable power supply for Middletown and surrounding areas, ultimately reducing the likelihood of future widespread CenterPoint outages of this nature.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about potential future service advisories by monitoring local news outlets and JCP&L's official communication channels. The utility company typically provides updates on planned maintenance and emergency situations to help the public prepare for any necessary disruptions.
