Community Corner

PSE&G Says It's Preparing for Sandy

The utility is getting equipment and manpower in place to help with power disruptions during Hurricane Sandy.

After the difficulties experienced when Hurricane Irene hit the area in 2011, PSE&G is assuring customers that they have the manpower, equipment and plan in place to make sure things go smoothly when Hurricane Sandy hits the area.

According to the utility company, PSE&G is closely monitoring the track of thke storm and is making emergency preparations should the storm bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to its service territory.  In anticipation of the storm, the company is taking the following steps to ensure that it is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages:

  • Ensuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning this weekend.
  • Arranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility's own workforce.
  • Ensuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other pole-top equipment, are on hand. 
  • Ensuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
  • Testing generators at utility locations.
  • Checking locations for potential flooding and taking precautions, such as using sandbags to help divert water from substation equipment.
  • Coordinating with county OEMs to keep them updated on outages and restoration efforts.

Clearly, a storm like Hurricane Sandy has the potential to interrupt service, said PSE&G. High winds might cause trees to brush up against power lines, and lightning could strike and damage trees or pole-top equipment. There also is the potential for trees to be uprooted. 

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Depending on what happens as the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about estimated restoration times.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G's Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, PSE&G is asking that customers speak with a representative to provide that information.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com. General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenter and updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.

In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at http://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress. Follow the storm's impact on South Brunswick with up to the minute updates on road closures, power outages and flooding emergencies by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter. See below:

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