10,000 PSEG Customers Without Power In New Jersey After Storm

NEWARK, NJ — Nearly 10,000 PSE&G customers were left without power after a severe storm swept through New Jersey on Tuesday night.

A powerful winter storm dumped nearly four inches of rain on some parts of the state. Downed trees and flooding were reported across New Jersey. Read More: Water Rescues, Power Outages, School Delays (See NJ Storm Aftermath)

The storm caused power outages across the state: JCP&L reported more than 27,000 power outages and Atlantic City Electric saw 18,383 outages.

PSE&G – which has about 2.3 million customers in its service area – also took a blow from the wild weather. About 10,000 PSE&G customers were still without electricity as of noon on Wednesday, spokespeople said.

The main culprits behind the outages were gusty winds and heavy rain, which brought down trees and heavy branches on wires, PSE&G said.

And it may not be over yet, the utility added.

“While the brunt of the storm has passed the service area, strong winds are forecast throughout the day and additional flooding is expected,” PSE&G stated.

“We are actively assessing the damage and restoring power outages as safely and quickly as possible,” spokespeople continued, saying that “strong progress” is being made towards restoring electricity in affected homes.

Here are some other updates, according to the Newark-based PSE&G:

• As of 8 a.m. on Jan. 10, PSE&G has restored power to approximately 65,000 customers since noon on Tuesday, Jan. 9. This number will fluctuate as restoration efforts continue.
• We expect to have the majority of customers’ power restored by the morning of Thursday, Jan., 11 (excluding any new damage as the winds continue).
• All PSE&G employees have mobilized to support the restoration efforts, including approximately over 1,000 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors, gas technicians and other field personnel working around the clock.
• Our Gas Operations teams are working in a coordinated response with local Office of Emergency Management (OEMs) to assess homes and businesses in flooded areas. In some cases, following our standard operating procedures, natural gas service has been turned off until assessments and/or repairs are made.
• Crews will continue to work safely and as quickly as possible until all outages are restored. Crews are working to assess damage and make repairs. As we continue to assess the damage, restoration times will be refined.
• As hazardous conditions subside, crews will work to restore critical facilities first, followed by outages affecting the largest numbers of customers, and then address outages affecting small numbers or individual customers.

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