PSE&G Stands Ready for Gusty Winds and Rain
Utility continues to strengthen and modernize its systems to reliably power your life
(Newark, NJ – March 15, 2025) PSE&G is prepared for the gusty wind and rainstorms forecasted to hit our service territory on Sunday afternoon, March 16. Strong winds with gusts anticipated around 40-45 mph and heavy rain can bring hazards that may disrupt power. PSE&G’s ongoing investments in infrastructure have helped us remain one of the nation’s most reliable utility companies.
“Our top priority is the safety of our customers and crews, which is why we’re closely monitoring this storm,” said Paul Toscarelli, vice president Electric Operations, PSE&G. “As weather conditions progress, our crews are prepared and ready to respond, working around the clock to restore any potential power outages as safely and quickly as possible.”
We encourage customers to take the time now to prepare (pseg.com/StormSafety) ahead of this severe weather event – including knowing how to report an outage before it happens and how to stay safe and connected to PSE&G during extreme weather conditions.
Investments in reliability
PSE&G crews actively strengthen and modernize our electric and gas systems all year long to continue to power your modern lifestyle as reliably as ever – even during extreme weather.
Here are some examples of the upgrades:
- Upgrading electric substations and installing higher capacity circuits to safely distribute more power and strengthen our system against extreme weather.
- Replacing thousands of aging utility poles and upgrading miles of overhead wire and underground cables so they are fit for use for decades to come.
- Installing hundreds of new smart capacitor banks that help automatically control operating voltages, underground switches and reclosers to maintain exceptional reliability.
Our approach combines planning, resource optimization and a focus on the reliability and integrity of our system, so that we meet the needs of our customers.
PSE&G is prepared
PSE&G prepares year-round for extreme weather to maintain reliable service for our customers.
In advance of this incoming storm, PSE&G has extra crews on staff to restore power safely and quickly as possible. PSE&G has performed system and logistics checks to ensure the availability of critical materials, fuel and other supplies to fulfill our commitment to bring customers safe and reliable service regardless of weather conditions. We also have additional crews scheduled to support customers requesting repairs to heating systems.
Stay connected
Know how to report a power outage. Our outage tools help you stay connected during an outage by sharing valuable information and status updates.
- Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734), through our app, on our website at pseg.com/myaccount, or call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734).
- Visit PSE&G’s Outage Map for the latest outage updates, restoration times and crew locations across New Jersey at pseg.com/outagecenter.
- If you’re our customer and need heating system repair, schedule an appointment via pseg.com/myaccount or call 1-800-350-PSEG (7734).
Stay safe
Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous.
- 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 our mobile app or on 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 or stand near – downed power lines.
- Downed wires can potentially be hidden in standing water and snow. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
If you have a power generator, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Always operate your generator according to the directions in the owner's manual. If you no longer have the manual, you may be able to find it online by searching for the make and model number of your generator.
- Never use a generator or other fuel-powered machines inside. Generators can produce 100 times more carbon monoxide (CO) than a car. Hazardous CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you in minutes if a generator is used indoors, even with doors and windows open. This includes outbuildings like sheds or garages.
- Keep the generator at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.
- Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
Prepare yourself and your home
Create an emergency kit:
- Get a battery-powered radio, alarm clock, flashlights and extra batteries.
- Stock up on bottled water and nonperishable food.
- Include a hand-operated can opener.
- Visit the American Red Cross website for ideas on what to include in a basic kit.
Prepare for power outages:
- In the winter, keep a pile of blankets handy.
- If your home has a fireplace, clean the chimney of debris and stock firewood.
- Charge your phones, tablets, power backups and other mobile devices.
- If you have a landline, ensure you have a corded phone. Cordless phones don’t work when the power is out.
- If your mobile phone service provides a “hotspot” for areas without internet access, learn how to use it.
- Know how to open your garage door without electricity.
- Know how to reset your home’s security system when power returns.
- Plan where and how you would evacuate.
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About 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 has won the ReliabilityOne® Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region for 23 consecutive years. For the third 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, in 2024 J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction with residential electric service and 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 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).