NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Service
Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company, New
Jersey's largest electric and gas utility, is advising
customers to be prepared for possible wide-spread and lengthy power
outages as a result of the major winter storm that is currently
hitting its service territory. The National Weather Service has
issued winter storm warnings throughout New Jersey until Wednesday evening.
Significant snow and ice accumulations are possible in some
areas.
While PSE&G has extra personnel and supplies on hand for
electric and gas storm-related emergencies, the utility believes
there is the potential for wide-spread and lengthy power
outages.
"If weather forecasts are correct, we could experience
significant damage to our power lines due to icing and tree
issues," said PSE&G President and COO Ralph LaRossa. "Depending on the severity of the
damage, response times for both electric and gas emergencies may be
longer. Dangerous icing conditions may make it difficult for our
utility crews to safely travel to restore service. We ask that
customers be patient."
Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities,
but heavy snow or icing can increase the possibility of downed
wires and associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can
also cause wires to come down. And cold weather can affect the
number of calls we receive from customers with insufficient or no
heat.
PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as
efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response
when calling PSE&G should not hesitate to use it, as it is
designed to route their calls to the right destinations. The system
also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service
representative. Customers are asked to use this option if they are
calling to report damage to wires, transformers or poles.
This will help PSE&G to restore power more
expeditiously.
Customers can monitor restoration progress by signing up as
followers at http://twitter.com/psegoutageinfo. Updates will
also be posted on www.pseg.com in the "For Your Information"
section.
In anticipation of possible storm conditions, PSE&G offers
the following tips:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice may weigh down power lines and as a result
cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead
but should always be considered "live." STAY AWAY FROM ALL
DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and
do not touch anything that it might be in contact with.
Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where
their children might play and to remind the children to stay far
away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers
should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed
wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross
street.
CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining
electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine,
should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in
the event of an outage. To request the service, call
PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform
their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of
emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining
equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority
attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up
equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be
guaranteed.
IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one
without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or
blown fuses. If that's not the problem, look outside at the
wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down,
report it immediately to PSE&G.
GENERAL TIPS:
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It's wise to have an
emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to
include:
- A battery powered radio.
- A corded telephone (cordless phones will not work if the power
is out).
- Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
- A first-aid kit.
- Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable
food.
- A non-electric can opener.
- Matches and candles with holders.
- Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
- A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G's
Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report
power outages or downed wires.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is
New Jersey's oldest and largest
regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly
three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner
of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system
reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise
Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG), a diversified energy company
(www.pseg.com).
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SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G)