Englewood Cliffs

Englewood Cliffs- 69/13kV

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 4kV and 13kV network. The projects will install 13kV and 69kV transmission circuits connecting PSE&G stations around the state.

Activity Overview:

  • New 69kV/13kV circuit will connect to the Englewood Cliffs Substation on Charlotte Place in Englewood Cliffs connecting to Leonia Substation at Willow Tree Rd in Leonia and Bergenfield substations.
  • The existing utility poles will be replaced with taller, sturdier poles that combine new 69kV/13kV circuits with existing 26kV and 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.
  • PSE&G will work with the Englewood Cliffs Police to keep traffic impacts to a minimum.
  • Project is estimated to be completed 2026.

Construction Updates:

April/May 2026

  • Beginning Monday, April 20, 2026 Crews will be working at Sylvan Ave & Charlotte place intersection during night hours (8pm-6am).  This work is forecasted to take place approximately 5 days.
  • On or about April 27, 2026, PSE&G will begin construction on electrical equipment on Castle Dr near the Wood Road intersection. Construction will occur between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

. For more information, please contact the project hotline at 1-800-901-5035.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Englewood Cliffs

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 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.

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.


ABOUT CONSTRUCTION

In general, the height of the existing poles is between 38 and 43 feet above ground, with a 13-inch diameter. The replacement poles will typically range between 56 and 61 feet above ground with a 16-inch diameter. The new poles will have the same spacing as the existing poles. 

Several factors determine the height of a utility pole.

  • The number of wires carried by the pole – the more wire, the taller the pole.
  • The voltage of the wires — different voltages require different spacing between the wires.
  • The addition of static wire, alsoknown as lightning protection. This project involves installing both a 69kV line and lightning protection on the new poles.

Trimming and removing certain trees along the route is required to facilitate construction and establish necessary clearances for the new electric lines. 

The old poles will be removed by the phone and cable companies once they transfer their wires onto the new pole lines.