PSE&G Prepared for Winter Weather, Frigid Temperatures

PSE&G is focused on working safely and quickly to restore any potential power outages and encourages customers to know how to stay in touch during a storm

(Newark, NJ – January 23, 2026) – PSE&G is ready for the winter weather that is forecast for our territory beginning late Saturday, Jan. 24, into Monday, Jan. 26, with the potential for significant snowfall and extended frigid temperatures. Snow and ice can bring hazards that disrupt power.

“We are keeping a close eye on the weather reports and are well prepared to respond to any impacts from the expected storms,” said John Latka, senior vice president, electric transmission & distribution. “Our crews are ready 24-7 to restore power outages and handle increased requests to repair heating systems for our customers.”

We encourage customers to take the time now to prepare (pseg.com/StormSafety) ahead of a weather event – including knowing how to report an outage before it happens and how to stay safe and connected to PSE&G during winter weather. 

We also remind customers that they are responsible for providing safe access to premises for a PSE&G service call, including keeping walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice.

Outside gas meters, HVAC air intakes and regulator vents should be clear of snow to prevent leaks, malfunctions or even dangerous buildup of gas or carbon monoxide. Be careful when removing snow around the meters and gas equipment; do not use hard objects like a shovel or ice scraper, instead use a small broom or your hands. If your meter or vent is damaged, call PSE&G immediately.

PSE&G is prepared

In advance of the forecasted severe wintry weather, PSE&G crews have completed system readiness and logistics checks to ensure critical materials including poles, wires, transformers, fuel and other supplies are available to support restoration efforts.  These preparations reinforce our focus on providing customers with safe, reliable service regardless of weather conditions.

The company’s call center is fully staffed and prepared to handle increased call volume and additional appliance service technicians and staff have been scheduled to respond to potential service interruptions and increased requests for heating system repairs during the storm. 

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.  

 

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 – and don't 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 by creating 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. 

  

Additional tips include: 

  • If you smell a gas odor, immediately exit the building, move at least 350 feet away and call PSE&G at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) OR call 911
  • Since gas appliances tend to be used more in winter, it’s particularly important to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home. Watch these Facts from the Field video tips on getting a carbon monoxide detector and the best way to use your detector. Also, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space. 
  • When it snows, keep any high-efficiency furnace pipes on the outside of your home clear of snow – otherwise, you may inadvertently allow carbon monoxide to build up in your home. Also, clear chimneys and vents for other gas appliances. 
  • Snow and ice can damage gas meters and piping. Be careful when removing snow from around the gas meter; any damage to the gas meter could potentially create a possible leak hazard. 
  • Use a broom to keep the gas meter, pressure regulator, and vent piping clear of snow and ice during the winter season. 
  • Chimneys and vents should be protected using an approved cap or screen to keep small animals or insects from entering. These pests have been known to build nests inside chimneys or vents and can cause potentially hazardous conditions. 
  • Inspect and clean dryer vents to ensure they are clear of debris, lint and condensation, which can become a fire hazard especially in the winter when drying heavier clothing and bedding. 
  • If you’re installing new gas appliances, change the connectors as well to prevent leaks and use safer, more modern materials. 
  • When cooking or baking, never block the vents in the bottom of your oven by lining them with foil or oven protectors as blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide accumulation. There are also signs that your oven needs servicing
  • Whether it’s melting snow or fast rainstorms that lead to flooding, it’s important to familiarize yourself with flood safety, including how to recognize an overheated or “runaway” boiler.  
  • Do not store propane tanks or any other highly flammable gas/liquid in your home, as they can become extremely hazardous in the event of a fire. 
  • Clear snow from furnace vents. Blocked furnace exhaust pipes can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide build up. After every snowfall, check and clear your furnace vents, chimneys and gas boiler outlets. It’s a quick fix that protects your family and your heating system.

 

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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 24 consecutive years. In 2025, for the fourth consecutive year, J.D. Power named PSE&G number one in customer satisfaction for residential electric 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 named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 17 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).