Nearly 2K Power Outages In Montclair Reported Amid Heat Wave

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Power outages hit wide swaths of Montclair on Thursday as weather forecasters continue to warn about a sweltering heat wave in New Jersey.

According to PSE&G’s online outage map, there were 38 outages in Montclair as of 4:01 p.m. The outages affected 1,862 out of 19,258 customers in the town – about 9.67 percent. Estimated restoration times ranged from 4:45 p.m. on Thursday to 6:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Montclair officials said they have requested an update from the town’s PSE&G liaison.

Many customers saw their power come back soon afterwards, however. As of 4:16 p.m., there were 225 customers in Montclair without power according to the map, with the latest estimated restoration time of 6:45 p.m. on Saturday.

The outages weren’t confined to Montclair. PSE&G’s database showed that 2,104 out of 353,867 customers in Essex County were without power at one point on Thursday.

HEAT WAVE AND POWER OUTAGES

A prolonged heat wave is expected to hit New Jersey this week, with "dangerously high" temperatures slated to linger in the Garden State through the weekend, forecasters said.

• Read More: NJ Thunderstorms Possible, Statewide Heat Advisory Issued Thursday
• Read More: Heat Wave Headed Montclair's Way, Forecasters Say; Town Issues Warning

There will be several cooling stations open in Montclair if the thermometer starts to rise, officials said. They include:

• Montclair Municipal Building Council Chamber, 205 Claremont Avenue, first floor - Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Montclair Public Library main branch, 50 South Fullerton Avenue - Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 to 6:00 PM
• Montclair Public Library Bellevue Avenue branch, 185 Bellevue Avenue - Monday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Tuesday:10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday:10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday:10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Saturday: 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday: Closed

Earlier this week, PSE&G said it had “sufficient electric capacity to meet projected electric peak demand” amid the heat wave.

“We’ve been monitoring our system and are staffed and ready to respond to issues as they arise,” said Paul Toscarelli, PSE&G’s emergency preparedness director. “Annually, we invest more than $1 billion in electric infrastructure improvements, which helps keep the power and your air conditioners on.”

• See related article: NJ Board Approves PSEG Plan For $511M In Infrastructure Upgrades

But the company added that high temperatures and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered, heat-related outages.

“We ask that customers remain in their homes while crews are working nearby,” PSE&G spokespeople said. “If customers must speak with our crews, we ask that they practice responsible physical distancing, and remain at least six feet away to help ensure the health of everyone involved.

To report a power outage, text OUT to 4PSEG (47734), report it online, through the PSE&G app, with Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant device, or call PSE&G 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).

PSE&G shared additional safety tips for customers, including:

• If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, have a backup plan in case of power loss and ensure that you alert PSE&G in advance and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit www.pseg.com/life.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.
• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. Immediately contact PSE&G, at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) via our mobile app or our website, to report downed wires and dial 911 if an immediate hazard exists.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed wires.
• Downed wires can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.

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