Clark

Clark –  69kV

Reliability Project Overview

PSE&G is currently conducting statewide electric reliability improvements to upgrade its utility infrastructure. These upgrades will increase both electric service reliability and system redundancy to ensure safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Throughout PSE&G service territory, PSE&G infrastructure upgrades include the addition of substation hardening and a 69kV network that will alleviate the demand on the existing network. These projects will install 69kV circuits connecting stations to each other. 

Activity Overview        

PSE&G is currently in the initial evaluating and planning stages to construct a new substation in Union County that will serve the neighboring communities, including Clark. The forecast in service date for this station is November of 2027.

This station will be fed from the recently constructed 69kV circuit that was built between our Front Street (Scotch Plains) and Springfield Road (Union) Substations. This circuit was energized in May 2025.

After this new station is energized, the circuits currently fed from the existing Clark Substation will be transferred over to the new Substation and eventually the older Clark substation will be retired. 

Construction Activity

As of July 2025, the process of upgrading and transferring the circuits is slated to occur in 2027-2028, with the Clark Substation slated for retirement at the end of 2028. For more information, please contact the project hotline at 1-800-606-0045.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE PROJECT

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.

  • 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 cleaner energy: A smarter grid will connect customers with renewable energy. A more robust electric network is vital to New Jersey’s clean energy vision.

Central Ave (between Raritan Rd & Westfield Border), Raritan Rd (between Central Ave & Walnut Ave), Walnut Ave (Raritan Rd & Broadway), Broadway to Cranford Border

PSE&G considers many factors in its pole line selection process, including presence of existing utilities; feasibility of engineering and construction; use of public and private property; environmental impacts; cost; construction schedule; feasibility of long-term maintenance; and accessibility.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.