Belleville
Belleville – 69kV
New Washington Avenue Substation
Reliability Project Overview
PSE&G is currently conducting statewide electric reliability improvements to its utility infrastructure. These enhancements will improve both electric service reliability and system redundancy to ensure safe and reliable service to our customers. Throughout the state of New Jersey, PSE&G infrastructure upgrades will reduce the demand on the existing 26kV network. The projects will install 69kV transmission circuits connecting PSE&G stations around the state.
Activity Overview
- New 69kV circuits will connect the new Washington Avenue Substation on Washington Avenue in Belleville to the new Harvey Switching Station on St. Andrews Blvd in Clifton and the PSE&G NJ Transit MMC Switching Station in Kearny.
- New 69kV circuits will connect the stations.
- The existing utility poles will be replaced with taller, sturdier poles that combine new 69kV circuits with existing 26kV, 13kV, or 4kV circuits.
- Vegetation Management activity such as tree trimming or tree removals may occur in order to allow for the safe installation of new equipment.
- The project is estimated to be completed by the 2nd quarter of 2024
- PSE&G will work with the Belleville Police to keep traffic impacts to a minimum.
Construction Activity
2nd Quarter 2024
Crews are completing minor construction activities. Final restoration for the project will take place in the 3rd quarter of 2024. For more information, please contact the project hotline at 877-462-0005.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Why is this upgrade needed?
Parts of our current electric system were built for life in the
1960s. A modern network is needed to meet the increased electric demands and
reliability expectations of the 21st century.
How will customers benefit?
- Increased power capacity: With 300% more capacity, the new lines will better support our modern, technology-driven lifestyles, including work-at-home schedules, increased electronics usage, and expanding electric vehicle adoption.
- Fewer and shorter outages: Smart sensors and relays will be added to automatically detect problems and redirect the flow
of electricity, reducing outages and expediting restorations. - Supporting clean energy: A smarter grid will connect customers with renewables like solar and offshore wind. A more
robust electric network is vital to New Jersey’s clean energy vision.
What are 69,000-volt (69 kV) electric lines?
69kV electric lines are the standard of the 21st century. They will ultimately replace and enhance a 50+ year-old system built on 26kV
lines, increasing reliability, capacity and safety.
What is the difference between the existing and new line voltage?
Existing pole lines carry 4kV, 13kV or 26kV lines. The replacement pole line will carry the existing lines plus a new 69kV line for added reliability and capacity, as well as lightning protection.
Why aren’t the lines being built underground?
Building the 69kV utility lines underground is six to seven times more expensive than typical utility pole construction. The additional expense does not include burying any of the existing electric service lines,
telecommunication, and cable. PSE&G is an overhead utility, meaning that power lines are built overhead where feasible. The vast majority of 69kV lines built by PSE&G since 2007 are overhead. Lines are built underground only when engineering determines it is necessary, such as crossing a railroad, highway or river.
What would it cost to construct the project underground?
If our engineering indicates that overhead construction is feasible and a municipality requests that a line be installed underground, the municipality must pay for the cost differential.
Where else are 69 kV lines in New Jersey?
Since 2007, PSE&G has updated more than 575 miles of power lines in almost 100 towns. Over the next several years, PSE&G will replace 400 miles of power lines and equipment that is 50+ years old.