June 15, 2018

(NEWARK, N.J. – June 15, 2018)  Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, is monitoring weather conditions and has additional personnel on hand to handle any power interruptions as a result of the high heat and increasing humidity expected over the weekend into Monday. The utility’s call centers also have extra personnel on duty to speak with customers.

“We have a rigorous preparedness program and we’re ready to handle the extra demand from air conditioners, ceiling fans or even World Cup viewing,” said John Latka, PSE&G senior vice president of electric and gas operations. “We encourage everyone to stay hydrated and stay out of the heat as much as possible.”

 PJM, the regional grid operator, expects to have sufficient power supplies available to meet the increased demand for electricity as a result of the weather. PSE&G has made $3 billion in investments since last summer to maintain reliability and safely meet the increased demand for electricity.

“We have increased local transmission supply capacity for many of our customers, thanks to new modernized substations and other equipment upgrades,” Latka said. “At PSE&G, we’re committed to continuous improvement and providing high quality services so that our customers have the energy they need on even the hottest summer days.”

The 2018 forecasted summer peak is 9,903 megawatts. Last year’s peak was 9,527 megawatts, set on July 20, 2017. PSE&G’s all-time summer peak was 11,108 megawatts, set on August 2, 2006.

Here are some easy ways customers can save energy and money throughout the summer:

• Even if you have air conditioning, use ceiling and other fans to provide additional cooling and better air circulation.

• Use ceiling fans in the counterclockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, making it feel cooler. Whole-house fans that bring in cooler night air can pre-cool a house and cut energy use in the daytime if heat is kept out by closing windows and shades.
• Install a programmable thermostat. If one's health permits, raise the setting from 73 to 78 degrees. Customers can save 3 percent to 5 percent on air conditioning expenses for each degree the thermostat is raised.
• Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
• Close doors leading to uncooled parts of the home. If the house uses central air conditioning, close vents to unused rooms.
• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks between window air conditioners and windows with foam insulation or weather stripping.
• Turn off power sources. Televisions, 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.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 percent less electricity and burn at a lower temperature than incandescent bulbs.
• Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Delay tasks such as laundry until later in the day. Wash full loads, using cold water whenever possible.
• Replace old appliances with new energy-efficient “Energy Star” labeled appliances.
• Unplug any extra refrigerators and use them only when needed. Refrigerators that are only 10 years old can use twice the amount of electricity as newer energy-efficient models.

If you experience a power outage, please call PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG, send a text via MyAlerts or use My Account to report an outage online. You can also use MyAlerts for updates or follow PSEG on Facebook and Twitter.