- What is 69kV transmission?
- What will these projects do?
- Why are these upgrades needed?
- What type of construction will these projects entail?
- How tall will the replacement poles be?
- What is the difference between the existing and new line voltage?
- How long will construction last?
- How will this impact traffic?
- What are the benefits to the region?
- What approvals are you seeking?
- Do the lines produce electric and magnetic fields?
- Are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) harmful?
- Who can I contact for more information?
What is 69kV Transmission?
69kV transmission lines are the standard of the 21st century, linking higher voltage lines with switching stations and substations. They will ultimately replace and enhance a 50+ year-old system built on 26kV lines, increasing reliability, capacity, and safety.
What will these projects do?
PSE&G is currently improving its electric reliability statewide in-order to upgrade its utility infrastructure. PSE&G infrastructure upgrades include the addition of a 69kV network that will alleviate the demand on the existing 26kV network. These upgrades will increase both electric service reliability and system redundancy to ensure safe and reliable electric service to our customers.
Why are these upgrades needed?
These upgrades are needed to address the increased demand for reliable electricity throughout PSE&G service territory. As population has increased and consumer electronic needs have evolved, the 26kV legacy networks of the last century have been taxed. The addition of a 69kV network will alleviate the demands on the existing 26kV network.
What type of construction will these projects entail?
These projects will install 69kV circuits connecting stations to each other. Underground and Overhead pole line construction is taking place throughout the state. New 69kV circuits are being installed to connect each upgraded station and existing utility poles will be replaced with taller sturdier poles that combine existing 26kV, 13kV, or 4kV circuits. New 69kV Gas Insulator Switchgear (GIS) will also be installed at various stations in multiple municipalities.
How tall will the replacement poles be?
The replacement poles will range in height between 57 and 65 feet.
What is the difference between the existing and new line voltage?
Existing pole lines throughout the state carry 4kV, 13kV and/or 26kV lines. The new pole lines will carry these existing lines in addition to a new 69kV line for added reliability and capacity.
How long will construction last?
As of December 17, 2014 PSE&G has augmented or replaced approximately 209 miles of its 26kV network with 69kV lines in several New Jersey municipalities, all in an effort to ensure that the people of New Jersey have the power they need when they need it. Continued substation and pole line construction is currently scheduled through 2021.
How will this impact traffic?
Traffic may be slightly impacted during construction; however PSE&G will work with municipal safety and traffic departments to minimize any traffic issues that arise during construction.
Safety of the public and construction crews is our highest priority. During construction, it is essential that you and anyone occupying your property, including children and pets, refrain from going near our construction work zones.
What are the benefits to the region?
This project will provide safe, highly reliable service. It will also create construction jobs, and provide municipal revenue though requisite permits. The enhanced electrical infrastructure will help support regional economic growth.
What approvals are you seeking?
PSE&G will secure necessary permits and approvals from local governing authorities wherever construction is taking place, as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other applicable state agencies.
Do the lines produce electric and magnetic fields?
Electric and magnetic fields are present wherever there is a flow of electric current, whether in wires in the home, electrical appliances, or power lines. Electric fields are produced by the voltage or electrical pressure in a wire and are present even if an appliance is turned off, as long as it is connected to a source of electric power. Magnetic fields are produced whenever there is a flow of electric current through a wire. Electric and magnetic fields are not visible, like other fields such as a gravitational field or a temperature field.
Are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) harmful?
The overwhelming body of scientific study shows no definitive link between EMF and human health issues. Since 1977, concerns over magnetic fields and possible health effects have been the subject of numerous scientific and regulatory review panels, and extensive research and studies continue to be funded in this field of study.
After nearly 30 years of worldwide research, there are no direct or causal links between electric and magnetic fields and adverse health effects. New Jersey has standards regarding maximum permissible electric fields at the edge of transmission line rights of way. However, there are no state standards with regards to magnetic field levels nor are there any federal rules, regulations or standards for either electric or magnetic field levels.
Magnetic fields from appliances like hair dryers, microwave ovens, and motorized appliances are often stronger than the fields directly beneath power lines. PSE&G will design and install this line according to appropriate state and federal guidelines related to safety and environmental impact.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions or concerns, please visit our website at http://psegtransmission.com/reliability-projects/69kV or call our toll free number at 1-800-901-5035 (for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union, Hunterdon and Middlesex counties) or 1-800-606-0045 (for Mercer, Burlington, Camden or Gloucester counties).