(NEWARK, N.J. – July 11, 2023) With extreme temperatures and the possibility of pop-up thunderstorms forecasted for this week, PSE&G is offering tips to help customers to stay cool, safe and connected if they experience a power outage.  PSE&G also reminds customers that hot and sticky weather can lead to more energy/electricity usage and therefore higher electric bills.

“PSE&G has sufficient electric capacity to meet the projected increased demand for electricity that comes with high temperatures during summer months. We understand our customers depend on us to keep their homes and businesses cool,” said Jack Bridges, vice president Electric Operations, PSE&G. “We are closely monitoring our system and are staffed and ready to respond to issues as they arise. We are continuously investing in infrastructure improvements, which helps keep the power and your air conditioners on.”

Stay cool during extreme heat: 

• Seek out air-conditioned spaces, if possible, if your homes become too warm. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Take precautions such as not wearing dark colors. Know the signs of heat illness.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. Act quickly if someone exhibits heat illness.
• Avoid overexertion during work or exercise, especially between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  
  

High temperatures can also cause pop-up thunderstorms which may cause power outages. PSE&G has additional personnel ready to respond, and is performing system and logistics checks to ensure the availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies. PSE&G prepares year-round for extreme weather to maintain reliable service for our customers. 

Stay safe during pop-up thunderstorms: 

• If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, please 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.

Stay connected with PSE&G during a power outage:

• Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• Register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications at pseg.com/outagecenter.
• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734). You can also report your outage through our app or on our website at pseg.com/myaccount. 
• Follow PSE&G on PSEG on Facebook and Twitter @PSEGdelivers for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSE&G’s Outage Map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across New Jersey at pseg.com/outagecenter.  
• To report an outage by phone, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or use our web chat feature at pseg.com/myaccount.

Hot and sticky weather can lead to more energy/electricity usage and therefore higher electric bills.

Save energy and money:

Customers can save energy and money in summer by following 10 simple tips:

1. Don’t cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away.
2. Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weather-stripping.
3. Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
4. Use a microwave or crockpot instead of the oven. Better yet, grill outdoors.
5. Operate appliances in the morning or evening when it is cooler outside. 
6. When washing dishes or clothes, run full loads.
7. Wash laundry in cold water.
8. Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
9. Don’t cool unused rooms. Close the vents and shut the door.
10. Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. (In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.)

For more ways to save on summer energy bills, visit https://nj.pseg.com/saveenergyandmoney.

For deals on smart thermostats and other energy-saving devices, visit homeenergy.pseg.com. 


PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, as well as one of the nation’s largest utilities. PSE&G is the 2022 Edison Award recipient from the Edison Electric Institute. PSE&G has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 21 consecutive years. For the second consecutive year, PSE&G is the recipient of the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in the Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. In addition, J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction for both Residential Electric and Natural Gas Service in the East among Large Utilities. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure company focused on a clean energy future and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 15 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).

Customer safety:

• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. Immediately contact PSE&G, at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) via 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 power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed power lines.
• Downed lines can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
• 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. 

Stay connected:

• Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• Register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications at pseg.com/outagecenter.
• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734). You can also report your outage through our app, website at pseg.com/myaccount or with your voice using the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone. 
• Follow PSE&G on PSEG on Facebook and Twitter @PSEGdelivers for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSE&G’s Outage Map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across New Jersey at pseg.com/outagecenter.  
• To report an outage by phone, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or use our web chat feature at pseg.com/myaccount.

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PSE&G