PSEG Gears Up for Summer Electricity Surges in Essex County

PSE&G – the gas and electric provider responsible for almost 75 percent of New Jersey’s residents – has announced that it expects to provide a summer peak of 10,306 megawatts this year, up from 9,474 in 2014.

According to a release, PSE&G’s all-time summer peak was 11,108 megawatts, set on Aug. 2, 2006.

Several new installations and equipment upgrades will roll out for the first time this year, including a $77 million upgrade for the Aldene-Springfield Rd-West Orange 230kV Conversion Network, which maintains electric service reliability for customers in Essex and Union counties.

According to a release, the reinforcement project will involve the replacement of underground circuits with high-rated conductors, and upgrades at two stations.

“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,” a release stated.

The utility’s 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.