PSE&G Storm Update – August 5, 10:00 AM

Update:

  • As of 10:00 a.m., approximately 575,000 of our 2.3 million customers reported a power outage or damage associated with Tropical Storm Isaias. We have restored power to 275,000 customers and have less than 300,000 customers still without power.
  • As of 7 a.m. Wed, we have close to 700 critical facilities still without power – that’s hospitals, police/fire/ambulance, gas stations, transit systems, supermarkets, nursing homes – other utilities –water and sewage companies. 
  • As damage assessment continues, PSE&G believes that Isaias is among the strongest storms to hit our service territory in recent years, and that some outages could last for an extended period.
  • The estimated times for restoration customers see in the outage map are based on a number of factors including damage assessment, weather hazards and road conditions. As individual jobs are completed, work plans are optimized and restoration times are adjusted. Some times more than one repair is need to restore a customer’s service. If customers are signed up to receive alerts, they will receive an automatic update about the change. 
  • PSE&G is working as safely and quickly as possible to restore power, and has nearly 2,800 workers dedicated to restoration. Through mutual aid resources, we have requested 1,700 workers to repair damage – from 15 states and as far away as Canada.
  • In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have adapted our storm and safety procedures to follow public health guidelines and industry best practices. We thank our customers for their patience as we operate under these unusual circumstances to safely restore power as quickly as possible. There may be delays for some repairs due to the new health and safety procedures in response to the current health crisis.
  • PSE&G is setting up several Customer Comfort Stations. Following physical distancing and state health guidelines, customers can receive free water and ice. We ask that everyone wear masks or face coverings and remain physically distant. Location and hours of operations will be shared directly with customers and on PSEG on Facebook and Twitter @PSEGdelivers.
  • PSE&G has secured outside personnel, including tree and line crews, to repair damage and respond to outages:
    • PSE&G has requested 1,700 workers through mutual aid from Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
    • 253 tree trimming crews, including 643 workers, are responding to clear extensive tree damage from the storm.
  • PSE&G reminds customers that its crews are unable to work in bucket trucks to make repairs until wind speeds fall to non-hazardous levels.
  • Crews are working to assess damage and make repairs. As we learn more about the extent of the damage, restoration times will be adjusted. 
  • As always, our goal is to restore power safely and as quickly as possible. We ask our customers for a fair amount of patience and want to assure everyone we will be there just as soon as it is safe.

 

Customer Safety:

  • Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines and immediately call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or 911 to report downed wires.
  • Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed wires.
  • Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
  • The safety of PSE&G’s customers and employees is the company’s top priority. We ask that customers remain in their homes while crews are working nearby. If customers must speak with our crews, we ask that they practice responsible “social distancing” and remain at least 6 feet away to ensure the health of everyone involved. For more information about how PSE&G continues to live up to its commitments during the pandemic, please visit https://nj.pseg.com/safetyandreliability/safetytips/coronavirus.

 

Stay connected with PSE&G:

  • The new PSE&G mobile app enables customers using Apple or Android devices to securely and easily manage their accounts when and where the customers want to be served.
  • Include PSE&G Customer Service 1-800-436-PSEG in your list of emergency phone numbers. 
  • Go to pseg.com/outagecenter to check the “Outage Map,” which is updated every 15 minutes with PSE&G outage information, and to register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications.
  • You can report an outage by texting “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734), or via Google Assistant or Alexa.
  • “Like” PSEG on Facebook and follow PSEG on Twitter @PSEGdelivers.

 

Other important safety notes:

  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.
  • If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure that you alert PSE&G in advance and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit www.pseg.com/life

*Mutual Aid
PSE&G thanks the following for their assistance:

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company, Alliant Energy, C.C. Power, Center Phase Energy, Collective Storm Response, East Coast Poweline, Heart Utilities, Henkels & McCoy, Louisville Gas & Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities, Michels Power, Mid-Con Energy Services, MOhawk Electric, OneSource Restoration, OnPower Energy Services, Riggs Distler, United Electric and Valiant Energy Service