file photo by Boyd Loving
January 12,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today presented Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for outstanding work assisting customers impacted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The award is presented to EEI member companies to recognize an outstanding response in assisting other electric companies in power restoration efforts after service has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during EEI’s Winter Board and CEO Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.
In the wake of Irma, PSE&G dispatched 154 employees and 84 vehicles to assist Florida Power & Light power restoration efforts. The PSE&G contingent included line workers, managers, engineers and support personnel.
“When disaster impacts a region, electric companies from across the nation are called on to assist impacted companies in need – mutual assistance is a hallmark of our industry,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “When Hurricane Irma struck, PSE&G answered the call to help. PSE&G’s assistance to restore service to impacted customers is a terrific example of mutual assistance in action.”
PSE&G’s Senior Vice President of Electric and Gas Operations John Latka said, “We were fortunate to be in a position to assist FPL. We know the importance of getting the lights and power back on as quickly as possible so people can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”
