Tag: PSEG

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Ridgewood Businesses Report Suspicious Phone Calls threatening Collections

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June 12,2015

the staff of the Ridgewood blog, the Ridgewood Police and PSE&G

Ridgewoood NJ, Ridgewood Police report that on Friday June 5, 2015, a business in Ridgewood received (4) suspicious telephone calls from a party identifying themselves as a representative of Public Service Electric and Gas. The caller informed the business owner that they were delinquent paying their bill and threatened to turn off the service to that address if they failed to provide them with MoneyPak cards valued at $569.00. Upon verifying that the call was fraudulent the business owner notified the Ridgewood Police Department. This type of fraudulent call has been on the upswing with the calls frequently originating from outside of the United States. Homeowners and business owners alike should beware of suspicious callers and know that Public Service and other local utilities do not collect unpaid bills in this manner.

PSE&G warns customers about such scams :

Beware of suspicious activity and trust your instincts. If you think you may have been the victim of a scam, please call our 24-hour customer service center at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). You may also contact your local police department.

Phone scams
Residential and small business customers have reported receiving deceptive phone calls from individuals pretending to be PSE&G employees. The callers demand that customers make a payment within hours using a Green Dot Money Pak, a type of pre-paid card available at pharmacies and convenience stores. PSE&G does not accept these cards.

PSE&G offers a variety of payment options, and would never require a customer to use one specific type of payment. PSE&G customers scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice on their bill at least 10 days in advance.

Any customer who has doubts about the legitimacy of a call from PSE&G — especially one in which payment is requested — should call us directly at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

Email scams
A PSE&G customer has reported receiving a fraudulent email that looked like a bill from the utility. A number of other utilities, including PSEG Long Island, have reported similar scams. The emails contain a link that when clicked infect the customer’s computer with a virus or malware.

The utility is urging its customers to be wary of these types of suspicious emails. Bills sent by PSE&G to our customers via email would be sent from [email protected]. PSE&G would not ask its customers to provide personal information online without first logging into MyAccount.

If you receive this type of email, do not provide any personal information, do not download any attachments, and do not click on any links in the email.

Imposters at your door
Residential customers have reported incidents of strangers posing as PSE&G employees to gain access to their home or to lure them out of their house.
Ask for identification from anyone who comes to your door looking like a PSE&G employee. If you are not satisfied, don’t let the person into your house. Call 911 if you feel intimidated or threatened.

All PSE&G employees — meter readers, servicewomen and men, and office workers — always wear a badge that tells you who we are. The badge, or identification card (ID for short), should look like the ID pictured above. It has the employee’s name, photograph and the PSE&G logo on it.

If you are not sure of an employee’s identity or have difficulty with the badges, call us at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). A service representative can verify that an employee has been dispatched to your premises.

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PSE&G Offers Money-Saving Hot Weather Tips

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Utility Prepared for Additional Power Demand

How to Report Outages and Stay Informed

May 26, 2015

Ridgewood NJ, With the hottest temperatures of the season forecasted to begin today, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, reminds customers that higher temperatures can also lead to more usage and higher electric bills. Customers can save energy and money this summer by following a few simple tips.

Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78° F only when you are at home and need cooling.
Install a programmable thermostat.
Use fans to circulate cool air.
Set refrigerators and freezers to the most efficient temperatures. Recommended temperatures are 35°-38° F for the fresh food compartment, and 0° F for freezers.
Run such appliances as clothes washers and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks around window air conditioners with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star® appliances.
Install whole-house fans to bring in cooler night-time air that can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime.

Prepared for Additional Power Demand
PSE&G expects to have no problem delivering the additional power required during the hot-weather months, but utility crews will be ready to respond to service interruptions should they occur. PSE&G’s rigorous, year-round preparedness program for summer includes conducting employee training; developing emergency summer operating plans; performing summer peak reliability analysis; helicopter and climbing inspections of transmission circuits; infrared inspections for “hot-spots” on transmission lines; and system reinforcements and transmission line work.

How to Report an Outage and Stay Informed
If you should experience an outage, PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and informed.  These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the “Outage Center,” under “How you can stay connected.”

Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G’s newly enhance and mobile friendly “Outage Map” displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service territory.
The utility’s Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.

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PSE&G prepared for 2015 summer electric demand

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Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line now fully operational

Significant infrastructure investments will maintain reliability

(Newark, N.J. – May 11, 2015) With the new Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line now entirely operational, Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, is fully equipped to meet customer demand for safe, reliable electricity this summer.

The 500-kilovolt line was fully energized today by PPL Electric Utilities from the Susquehanna station in Berwick, Pa., to PSE&G’s Hopatcong switching station. PSE&G energized the portion of the line from Hopatcong to its Roseland switching station in April 2014.  PSE&G has spent more than $775 million on the project to date. The PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, determined that Susquehanna-Roseland was needed to maintain reliability by relieving congestion on other regional transmission lines.

PSE&G constructed 45 miles of the line in New Jersey and PPL built the 101-mile Pennsylvania portion. The two companies worked together to build a four-mile segment through National Park Service lands along the borders of the two states.

“In addition to maintaining electric capacity and reliability, the energizing of this line marks the completion of a major project that has created thousands of New Jersey jobs and has benefitted the state’s economy,” said Kim Hanemann, senior vice president of delivery projects and construction for PSE&G. “We could not have completed this critical project without the cooperative relationship between PSE&G and PPL. Working together, we successfully navigated the lengthy permitting and licensing process at both the state and federal levels. The S-R line is one of a number of substantial infrastructure upgrades we are making to keep the lights on and New Jersey’s residents cool when temperatures climb.”

PSE&G customers are benefiting from $2.6 billion in electric and gas investments the utility is making this year. Equipment has been replaced, facilities have been upgraded and additional redundancies have been added system-wide in order to maintain reliability.

Notable investments that will be in service for the first time this year, ensuring that energy is delivered safely and reliably to customers, include:

$435 million for the Mickleton-Gloucester-Camden 230kV reinforcement consisting of 20 miles of new and upgraded overhead transmission, installing 16 miles of new 230kV underground circuits, and upgrades at five existing stations expected in-service for June.  This project maintains electric service reliability for customers in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.
$77 million for the Aldene-Springfield Rd-West Orange 230kV Conversion Network reinforcement consisting of rewiring from Cranford to West Orange to replace underground circuits with high-rated conductors, and upgrades at two stations. This project maintains electric service reliability for customers in Union and Essex counties.
$76 million to replace 14 aging transformers to maintain electric service reliability for customers in Bergen, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Mercer, Gloucester and Burlington counties.
$63 million for rewiring projects from Ridgefield to Saddle Brook to Fair Lawn in Bergen County to replace underground circuits with high-rated conductors to maintain reliability.
$66 million for the Branchburg-Bridgewater reconfiguration of the switchyards at four existing stations and rewiring two overhead transmission lines. This project maintains electric service reliability for customers in Middlesex and Somerset counties.
$41 million to install a 69,000-volt upgraded substation, providing increased local transmission supply capacity to customers in south Bergen and north Hudson counties. Additionally, $63 million for 69,000-volt upgrades to switching station equipment and lines in the East Rutherford, Fair Lawn and Paterson areas.
$35 million invested in tree trimming across PSE&G’s service territory to ensure adequate clearance and prevent tree contacts along transmission and distribution lines.

“These investments, along with our highly skilled and dedicated workforce, play a big role in making us one of the most reliable utilities in the country, and the most reliable in the Mid-Atlantic region year after year,” said John Latka, senior vice president of electric operations for PSE&G. “Customers can rest assured that when temperatures spike and they turn on their air conditioners, we’ll be ready.”

The forecasted summer peak for this year is 10,306 megawatts. Last year’s peak was 9,474 megawatts, set on July 2, and PSE&G’s all-time summer peak was 11,108 megawatts, set on Aug. 2, 2006.

PSE&G expects to have no problem delivering the additional power required during the summer months, but utility crews will be ready to respond to service interruptions should they occur. The utility’s rigorous, year-round preparedness program for summer includes conducting employee training; developing emergency summer operating plans; performing summer peak reliability analysis; inspecting transmission lines using helicopters and infrared cameras; and reinforcing lines and other equipment.

Learn how to save more with PSE&G Energy Efficiency Programs at https://pseg.com/family/pseandg/energyefficiency/index.jsp

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PSE&G Unveils 5-Year Proposal to Continue to Replace Aging Gas Infrastructure

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PSE&G Unveils 5-Year Proposal to Continue to Replace Aging Gas Infrastructure
March 2,2015

$320 million a year program to modernize 800 miles of cast iron and unprotected steel

Low gas supply prices make this the ideal time to upgrade system

(March 2, 2015 – Newark, N.J.) – Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, announced a proposal to invest $1.6 billion over the next 5 years to proactively modernize its gas systems – supporting a safe, clean, reliable gas system well into the future.  The utility requested the funding, about $320 million per year, in a filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

PSE&G’s Gas System Modernization Program would include replacing an average of approximately 160 miles of cast iron and unprotected steel gas mains, and about 11,000 unprotected steel service lines to homes and businesses per year, over five years.

The mains and service lines would be replaced with strong, durable plastic piping, which is much less likely to have leaks and release methane gas. The new elevated pressure systems also enable the installation of excess flow valves that automatically shut off gas flow if a service line is damaged, and better support the use of high-efficiency appliances.

“While our cast iron and unprotected steel gas pipes represent less than 30 percent of our infrastructure, they account for 80 percent of distribution systems leaks each year, excluding third-party damages,” said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. “The Gas System Modernization Program will provide our customers and the communities we serve with the environmental benefit of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a positive impact on employment and the New Jersey economy.”

Pointing to lower gas bills, LaRossa said it makes sense to make these added investments now.

Since 2008, residential gas heating bills are down 44 percent because of the lower cost of natural gas supply. “We are in a time of unprecedented low interest rates and natural gas prices,” LaRossa said. “The timing is right to make these infrastructure investments.”

The Gas System Modernization Program would support more than 500 direct jobs to help boost New Jersey’s economy. “A number of labor and business leaders have already expressed support for our proposal,” said LaRossa. “They know that these are important investments for New Jersey.”

The Gas System Modernization Program is a next step in a series of modernization programs, including PSE&G’s ongoing Energy Strong work that is focused largely on building the resiliency into its systems required to withstand the kind of severe weather that has devastated our state over the past five years. Approved last year, the $1.22 billion Energy Strong program includes raising, relocating and protecting electrical switching and substations, and replacing 250 miles of low-pressure cast iron gas mains in or near flood areas.

“We operate and maintain more than 17,000 miles of gas distribution mains that transport natural gas to 1.87 million customers in the most densely populated parts of our state,” LaRossa said. ”We’ve been providing safe, reliable gas service to customers in New Jersey for more than 100 years, and believe strongly that now is the right time to modernize our infrastructure.”

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PSE&G residential electric bills to increase 2.1 percent on June 1

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PSE&G residential electric bills to increase 2.1 percent on June 1
Feb. 13, 2015

Utility corrects previous 5.1 percent calculation errorNewark, NJ ,Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) today said the impact of the recent Basic Generation Service electricity supply auction on residential electric bills will be a 2.1 percent increase on June 1, when new electric rates take effect. The utility had previously said the impact would be an increase of 5.1 percent.

“The bill impact information we provided to the NJ Board of Public Utilities at the conclusion of the auction was inaccurate,” said Jorge Cardenas, vice president of asset management and centralized services. “While the wholesale prices for electricity secured in the auction are correct, we made a calculation error in how the new prices would affect customer bills on June 1. We are pleased to report that the typical residential bill will increase by 2.1 percent and not the 5.1 percent we had indicated. It was our calculation error and we sincerely regret both the error and any confusion that may have resulted.”

The bill for a PSE&G residential customer who uses the statewide average of 650 kilowatthours per month will pay $123.82 a month, or $2.58 more per month when averaged over the entire year.

“We commend the Board of Public Utilities for once again approving this efficient and competitive way to secure electricity on behalf of our customers,” Cardenas said. “Our continued investment in transmission infrastructure, along with our commitment to renewable energy sources, contributed to the modest increase to typical residential bills.”

Cardenas said the transmission investments are mandated by regional grid operator PJM to ensure grid stability in PSE&G’s densely populated service territory, enabling the utility to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable electricity. “Our customers are benefitting from a more modern electric system that will provide strong reliability for many years to come,” he added.

Although electric bills are rising slightly, most PSE&G customers also receive gas service and are benefitting from lower gas bills this winter. PSE&G lowered the price of residential gas supply on October 1, 2014 to 45 cents per therm — its lowest rate in 14 years. In addition, the utility is providing significant bill credits to residential gas customers for usage from November 2014 to March 2015 – saving the typical residential gas customer more than $200 during the five-month period.

Since January of 2009, reductions in the cost of gas supply have lowered bills 44 percent, for an annual savings of $741 for PSE&G’s current typical residential gas heating customer. Since 2012, PSE&G has issued bill credits that reduced customers’ supply portion of their bills by a total of approximately $400.

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PSE&G Prepares for Heavy Snow and Near Blizzard Conditions

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PSE&G Prepares for Heavy Snow and Near Blizzard Conditions
January 25,2015

Additional crews and equipment on hand

(NEWARK, N.J. – Jan. 25, 2015) Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is preparing for the approaching storm that could bring more than a foot of snow and near blizzard conditions for parts of its service territory Monday night and into Tuesday.

In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure that the utility is ready to respond to resulting power outages:

Scheduling all available personnel so they are ready to respond beginning Monday.
Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility’s own skilled workforce.
Reaching out for 100 additional mutual aid assistance linemen.
Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand.
Refueling all vehicles.
Testing generators at utility locations.
Coordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.

“While snow by itself doesn’t normally pose a serious problem, heavy snow and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and power outages,” said John Latka, PSE&G senior vice president for electric and gas operations. “These conditions will also make it difficult for our crews to get around and safely respond to any outages. We ask for our customers’ patience and cooperation as we work to restore service as quickly as possible.”

PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious if they see downed lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that the wire is contacting.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account on www.pseg.com, PSE&G’s mobile-friendly website.

PSE&G offers the following tips to customers to prepare:

Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water.
Have matches and candles with holders on-hand.
If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.
Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

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PSE&G Responds to Cold Weather Challenges

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PSE&G Responds to Cold Weather Challenges
January 7th 2015

NEWARK, NJ – With frigid weather gripping the region, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is monitoring its gas system and taking steps to ensure it can meet the demands of customers. These steps include maintaining and adjusting pressure at various points in our system.The utility also has extra personnel on hand to respond as quickly as possible and handle emergency requests. Both PSE&G’s appliance service business and call centers are prepared to respond to an influx of customer “no heat” calls as temperatures remain extremely low during the next few days.“Since Tuesday, we have received about 2,500 ‘no heat’ calls from customers,” said Mike Schmid, director-appliance service. “We have all available technicians on hand to respond to these service requests as quickly as possible. Customers also should be aware that although their heating systems may be working properly, the frigid temperatures are making it difficult to maintain the same thermostat setting.”

PSE&G offers the following tips to stay warm and safe during this current cold snap:

Seal up openings around and under doors and windows
Close and latch your windows
Lower thermostats serving unused rooms
Close dampers in unused fireplaces
Move furniture and drapes away from heating registers, radiators, and baseboard element covers
Remove or cover window air conditioners to reduce drafts. Install insulated or lined drapes on your windows
Open your curtains and blinds that face the sun on sunny days to warm your home, and close them at night to keep the warm air inside
Keep your garage door closed, if the garage is attached to the house
Check for sufficient water levels in the sight glass for steam heating systems to ensure maximum efficiency
Clean or replace the furnace filter on hot air heating systems

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE

Be cautious when using space heaters.  Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and heed warning labels. Be sure all members of the household understand how to operate space heaters safely.
Don’t try to use a gas oven or range to heat a room – the appliance will deplete oxygen from the air, causing asphyxiation or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) — an invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas — is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States.  Natural gas, oil, propane, coal or wood all produce CO.
The first line of defense against CO poisoning is to make sure all your fuel-burning appliances operate and are maintained properly.  These appliances include gas and oil furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, space heaters, and gas clothes dryers.  Improperly vented fireplaces and charcoal grills can also give off CO.
Invest in carbon monoxide detectors as back-up protection, not as a substitute for proper use and maintenance of the fuel-burning appliances.  CO alarms can provide an early warning to consumers before CO builds up to a dangerous level.  The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing a carbon monoxide alarm in every area of the house. If just one alarm is installed, it should be placed near the sleeping rooms of the house.  If you already have one, remember to check the batteries regularly.
Be safe around natural gas. If you smell a weak gas odor, check the pilot lights and burner valves on your gas appliances. Open doors and windows to let in fresh air. Call PSE&G immediately.  If the odor is strong, get out of the building immediately and call PSE&G from a nearby phone. Do not use the phone in the building or any electrical equipment, including electric switches and thermostats, because they can make sparks and cause a fire. Do not use matches, or light a gas appliance. If you are outdoors and smell gas, call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734).

KEEP YOUR GAS METER AND APPLIANCE VENTS CLEAR OF SNOW AND ICE
You can help keep your natural gas supply flowing by keeping your meter free of snow and ice. If you are a natural gas customer whose gas meter is on the outside of your home or business, please take the following precautions:

Clear snowdrifts away from the meter and piping.
Do not pile snow on top of the gas meter or around its connecting piping when you are shoveling your premises.
Brush snow from the meter and piping before a thick layer of ice builds up.
Clear snow from dryer vents to prevent fumes from backing up into your house.

IF YOUR METER IS SCHEDULED TO BE READ
While we always try to obtain an actual reading, occasionally it’s necessary to estimate a reading to ensure the safety of our employees. Ways that you can help us keep our employees safe and avoid estimated bills:

Ensure walkways and entrance ways are cleared of snow and ice.
Ensure a clear pathway to the meter.
Secure pets while meters are being read.
Utilize our Record-a-Reading option or enter your reading on-line via the PSE&G website on www.pseg.com.

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Ridgewood parking lot is no longer in the dark

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Ridgewood parking lot is no longer in the dark

DECEMBER 29, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2014, 9:29 AM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
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The village is no longer in the dark about why PSE&G had stopped supplying power to the North Walnut Street parking lot.

Lights in the North Walnut Street parking lot have been turned on again after weeks of confusion as to why the electricity had been shut off in the area.

Village employees replaced the bulbs in four street lights last week, again illuminating the lot after dark, after their billing issues with the energy utility company had been fixed.

Since November, the metered municipal parking lot has been without street lights, which PSE&G said was due to an error in their account information.

“The electric service to the meter box that serves the parking lot on North Walnut Street was originally disconnected because the account for the meter was listed as an ‘unknown account,’ which would make billing difficult,” said Deann Muzikar, a spokeswoman for PSE&G. Muzikar said the meter has since been put in the village’s name and electric service has been restored.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/lights-at-walnut-st-lot-in-ridgewood-are-back-on-1.1182818

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North Jersey electricity bills going up?

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North Jersey electricity bills going up?

December 25, 2014    Last updated: Thursday, December 25, 2014, 1:21 AM
By DAVE SHEINGOLD
STAFF WRITER |
The Record

North Jerseyans could face another round of electricity rate hikes under a disputed multibillion-dollar proposal by the manager of the nation’s largest electric grid that is aimed at making sure power plants across a 13-state region continue to operate, no matter how hot or cold it gets.

The plan was proposed by PJM Interconnection LLC, and it comes as regulators and the energy industry are struggling to improve the regional power grid while containing costs. It would require power plants serving New Jersey and 12 other states to assure that they can provide electricity on demand, especially during heat waves and cold snaps. The impetus for the proposal stems largely from a run of frigid weather last winter when some generators failed to produce electricity, increasing the risk of power outages.

However, the proposal would raise energy production costs, with the increase passed on to consumers, by requiring plant operators to improve maintenance on backup generators and guarantee that they will have fuel to fire them up when needed. Fines for failure could skyrocket, further raising costs.

The plan was filed this month with federal regulators by PJM Interconnection, which runs a section of the national power grid from New Jersey to Illinois. It comes after rate hikes approved this year by New Jersey regulators to fund $1.2 billion worth of other projects aimed at improving the power distribution system in the northern and central areas of the state.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/business/north-jersey-electricity-bills-going-up-1.1179836

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PSE&G – Energy Strong Gas Upgrade Project – Phase II has begun in the Lawns Area

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PSE&G – Energy Strong Gas Upgrade Project – Phase II has begun in the Lawns Area

Elements of the Gas Service Upgrade Project :

• Ferreira Construction will again use Village Police Officers for traffic control, like they did for the work in the East Glen Avenue area earlier this year.

• There will be no steel road plates used. All parties agreed to this.

• Trenches will be topped with hot mix I-5 asphalt mix, followed by final restoration later.

• The contractor’s crews would like to work 6 days per week, weather and Village permitting. No work on Sunday.

• Trenches will be generally 18-inches wide.

• House services will be done after the main work is complete, but coordinated to minimize natural gas service interruptions during the winter heating days.

• Ferreira will continue to use their current staging area. Some equipment will be left on streets overnight in the Lawns area.

• Work will not occur during inclement weather periods.

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PSE&G – Energy Strong Gas Upgrade Project – Phase II

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PSE&G – Energy Strong Gas Upgrade Project – Phase II

Elements of the Village Gas Service Upgrade Project :

• Ferreira Construction will again use Village Police Officers for traffic control, like they did for the work in the East Glen Avenue area earlier this year.

• There will be no steel road plates used. All parties agreed to this.

• Trenches will be topped with hot mix I-5 asphalt mix, followed by final restoration later.

• The contractor’s crews would like to work 6 days per week, weather and Village permitting. No work on Sunday.

• Trenches will be generally 18-inches wide.

• House services will be done after the main work is complete, but coordinated to minimize natural gas service interruptions during the winter heating days.

• Ferreira will continue to use their current staging area. Some equipment will be left on streets overnight in the Lawns area.

• Work will not occurred during inclement weather periods.

Click Here for Map of roads scheduled for work

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PSE&G Prepares for Wintry Weather with Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service

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PSE&G Prepares for Wintry Weather with Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service
November 25, 2014

(NEWARK, NJ – Nov. 25, 2014) Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for the approaching winter storm system expected to hit the region tomorrow morning through Thanksgiving morning, bringing with it the potential for rain changing to heavy, wet snow.

In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning tomorrow morning. The utility is also arranging for additional tree crews to assist PSE&G’s own skilled workforce, and ensuring that additional supplies including poles and transformers are on hand.

While snow usually isn’t an issue for utilities, the possibility of a wet snow can increase the likelihood of downed tree limbs and wires, which causes power outages. Vehicles striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down.

PSE&G urges its customers to be cautious if they see downed lines. Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account on www.pseg.com, PSE&G’s mobile-friendly website.

PSE&G offers the following tips to customers to prepare:

Charge your cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.
Fill up your car’s fuel tank.
Ensure you have a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
Check your supply of flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water for everyone in your family.
Put your refrigerator and freezer at the coldest setting. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation. If electricity is interrupted, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Compile a list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

PSE&G offers its customers a number of ways to stay in touch and stay informed before, during and after a storm. These tools can be found at www.pseg.com in the “Storm Center,” under “How you can stay connected.”

Sign up for My Account and bookmark the mobile-friendly homepage on your smart phone so it’s easy to report outages and check restoration progress.
To report power outages via text message, and receive outage updates by text and email, sign up for MyAlerts.
Updated every 15 minutes, PSE&G’s online “Outage Map” displays the location and status of power outages in PSE&G’s service territory.
The utility’s Twitter and Facebook pages also keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower to monitor restoration process.
Be sure everyone in the family is prepared. Go towww.pseg.com/sesamestreet to learn how to download the PSEG and Sesame Street “Let’s Get Ready!” emergency preparedness app, along with tips on how to be ready for any emergency.

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Learning From Superstorm Sandy: PSE&G Improves Infrastructure, Communications and Logistics

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Learning From Superstorm Sandy: PSE&G Improves Infrastructure, Communications and Logistics
October 28, 2014

(Newark, N.J. – Oct. 28, 2014) Superstorm Sandy was the most powerful and destructive storm in Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s 111-year history, causing more than 2 million PSE&G customers to lose power. In the two years since the storm, PSE&G, which serves nearly three-quarters of New Jersey’s population, continues to make significant improvements to its infrastructure, communications and logistics that will keep more customers in service during a storm, and restore service faster in the aftermath.

”During the two-week period following Sandy, we made more than 2 million electric service restorations — a record for any utility in the country,” said Ralph LaRossa, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G.  “Nearly half of our outages were caused by switching and substations that flooded due to the storm surge. Water ranging from 4 to 8 feet inundated our facilities — including some that had never been submerged in all their years of operation.”

Before Sandy, PSE&G began rewiring its system, adding 69-kV lines for added capacity and reliability.  That work continues.  The new lines are being installed on stronger poles with better lightning protection, and fiber optic wires that improve communication between substations.

Improving Infrastructure
The transmission improvements are only the beginning. During the next three years, PSE&G’s $1.22 billion Energy Strong program will help the utility significantly strengthen and protect its electric and gas systems against severe weather damage.

As part of the Energy Strong program, PSE&G will protect, raise or relocate 29 switching and substations; replace and modernize 250 miles of gas mains in or near flood areas; create redundancy in the system; protect five natural gas metering stations and a liquefied natural gas station affected by Sandy or located in flood zones; and deploy smart grid technologies to better monitor system operations.

Work is currently under way in 28 municipalities to replace low-pressure cast iron gas mains, with high-pressure plastic pipes. “The new pipes and higher pressure will keep the water out and customers in service when it floods,” said LaRossa. “We expect to complete 88 miles of this work by the end of the year. On the electric side, extensive planning, engineering and procurement are under way to begin work on our switching and substations early next year.”

Smart grid projects underway include installing advanced technologies in PSE&G substations to facilitate full remote monitoring and control; and contingency restoration work that adds smart switches and fuses, and multiple sections on circuits. These upgrades ensure that when there is an outage, service will be restored faster and the outage will affect fewer customers.

Changing Communications Channels
In addition to improving infrastructure, PSE&G has made significant changes to better communicate with customers before, during and after storms. “We’ve ramped up our messaging across all channels, including Twitter and Facebook,” LaRossa said. “Our goal is to help customers understand what to expect from an event, how they can prepare and stay safe, and how they can best communicate with PSE&G.”

New communication tools include MyAlerts, which allows customers to opt in for text messages, as well as email notifications about outages in their area and service restoration; and an enhanced Outage Map that provides customers with detailed information about power outages in their neighborhood and across PSE&G’s service territory. Customers can access these PSE&G communications tools in the company’s “Storm Center” at www.PSEG.com.

More Training, Better Logistics
Internal communications, emergency training and logistics are critical to storm preparedness. Located at the company’s headquarters in Newark is its Delivery Emergency Response Center (DERC), which is activated to oversee multiple operations in the field when preparing for and responding to a major storm. People representing all functions across the company staff DERC 24/7 — getting the right people, to the right places, with the right equipment at the right time.

PSE&G conducts extensive storm outage planning, training and exercises throughout the year. So far this year, its employees have completed more than 1,700 emergency preparedness and response training sessions, logging nearly 4,000 hours of training. Training in safety and damage assessment equips PSE&G office employees to help in the field during emergencies.

Since Sandy, process improvement teams have studied more efficient ways to undertake restoration activities, and PSE&G has expanded its network of mutual aid from eight to 22 utilities. “The utility industry is somewhat unique in that we all help each other,” said LaRossa. “During Sandy, we brought in 4,500 contractors from 24 states and Canada to help restore service.”

To accommodate the massive influx of people and equipment during Sandy, PSE&G set up 12 staging areas across the state. Since then, the company has identified 22 staging areas and has specific site plans and role assignments for each of these “pop-up utility cities” where material and equipment is stored and trucks can be fueled.

“From 2010 to 2012, we experienced the four most destructive storms in our history. We learned a lot,” said LaRossa. “We hope to never see the likes of Sandy again, but feel confident that our infrastructure investments, comprehensive communications tools and emergency response training will ensure that our customers, employees and systems are better ready to weather severe storms in the future.”

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PSE&G Cuts Residential Gas Bills This Winter With Three Months of Bill Credits

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file photo Boyd Loving

PSE&G Cuts Residential Gas Bills This Winter With Three Months of Bill Credits
October 23, 2014

Bill credits are in addition to 9 percent reduction on Oct. 1

(Newark, NJ – October 23, 2014) Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) announced today that it is providing a bill credit for the next three months for its residential gas supply customers that will cut the average bill for the typical residential gas heating customer by about 31 percent.  The company will provide its residential customers who purchase gas supply from PSE&G a 28-cents per therm bill credit for usage during November, December and January.

A typical residential gas heating customer using 91 therms in November, 165 therms in December and 165 therms in January would see a total bill credit of approximately $118. Depending on meter reading schedules, many customers will see some of the credit in November, December and January with the remainder in February.

These bill credits are in addition to the reduction the utility has already put into effect on October 1, 2014, which reduced its gas supply rate to 45 cents per therm from 54 cents – its lowest rate in 14 years.

“Since 2009, PSE&G’s residential gas customers have benefitted from steady reductions in the cost of natural gas,” said Jorge Cardenas, PSE&G vice president of asset management and centralized services. “We’re able to provide additional savings this winter given the continued availability of low-cost gas from the nearby Marcellus Shale Formation in Pennsylvania. In addition, our transportation and storage capabilities and the way we manage our pipeline contracts have enabled us to seize this opportunity to once again reduce costs for our customers.

“While there’s no guarantee that these savings will be available in future years, we are pleased to pass them on to our customers as temperatures are dropping and they strive to keep their winter heating bills affordable,” Cardenas said.

PSE&G makes no profit on the sale of natural gas. The utility passes along what it pays for the gas to customers. Costs of natural gas supply account for about half of the customer’s monthly bill.

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Ridgewood intersection closed after car crashes into hydrant

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photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood intersection closed after car crashes into hydrant

OCTOBER 6, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 1:26 PM
BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood major throughway South Van Dien Avenue is shut down between Hanks Avenue and Lotus Road after a car knocked a hydrant out of the ground this morning, sending water gushing out into the street.

At noon on Monday, police and safety officials were still trying to determine the scope of the damage caused when a car crashed into a fire hydrant at 9:37 a.m. at the corner of South Van Dien and Spring avenues.

“The intersection may be shut down for a while,” said Jeremy Kleiman, director of the Office of Emergency Management.

Police said the male driver refused medical attention following the accident and his car was towed away. Police could not answer why the accident occurred or if a summons had been issued.

David Scheibner, Ridgewood Water’s business director, said the village shut down the valves in that area, but that the shutdown would not impact the water supply to any homes.

Typically when fire hydrants are hit, they pop out with little damage to the ground below, said Kleiman, but this crash caused the water main to rupture and created a 6-foot deep crater in front of a Spring Avenue home.

“Our concern is about gas levels in the manholes. [Right now] the levels are fine,” Kleiman said. “Initially we thought we may have to evacuate.”

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/ruptured-water-main-closes-ridgewood-intersection-1.1103460#sthash.mTxMP3RN.dpuf