Newark, NJ – Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) is reminding customers to stay alert around downed power lines and follow generator safety precautions as crews continue restoring service following severe storms that swept across New Jersey late Sunday night.
The storms brought heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and numerous reports of fallen trees and utility wires, leaving thousands of customers without power across the utility’s service territory.
Union, Essex and Hudson counties see widespread outages
According to PSE&G, Union County had the largest number of reported outages Sunday morning, with 5,475 customers without electricity and an estimated restoration time of 11 p.m. Monday.
Essex County reported 2,223 customers without power, while Hudson County had 1,305 outages. Middlesex County reported 1,258 affected customers, Passaic County had 741 outages, Somerset County reported 400, Camden County had 386, Mercer County had 120 and Gloucester County had 31. Restoration times vary by location, with many customers expected to have service restored by Monday evening or late Monday night.
PSE&G issues safety reminders
The utility is reminding residents to stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and always assume they are energized. Downed wires should be reported immediately by calling PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or by calling 911 if there is an immediate danger.
Customers using portable generators should never operate them inside a home, garage or any enclosed space because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. PSE&G is also encouraging residents to check on older neighbors and others who may need assistance during the ongoing heat.
Customers who rely on electricity to power life-sustaining medical equipment are encouraged to have a backup plan and notify PSE&G through its Life Support Program if they have not already done so.
Outages can be reported and restoration updates received by texting OUT to 47734 (4PSEG), using the PSE&G mobile app, visiting pseg.com/myaccount, calling 1-800-436-7734, or checking the utility’s Outage Center at pseg.com/outagecenter.
Key Points
- Thousands of PSE&G customers remain without power after severe overnight storms across New Jersey.
- Union, Essex, Hudson and Middlesex counties are among the hardest-hit areas in the PSE&G service territory.
- Residents should avoid downed power lines, use generators safely and monitor restoration updates through PSE&G.
