Why is this project needed?
The Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project (MTB) is designed to strengthen the electric transmission system by replacing 138,000-volt (138kV) circuits with 230,000-volt (230kV) circuits between the PSE&G Metuchen Switching Station in Edison, NJ and the PSE&G Burlington Switching Station in Burlington, NJ.
Authorized in February 2017 by PJM Interconnection (PJM), the regional transmission organization responsible for planning the transmission system in all or parts of 13 states, including New Jersey, the 55-mile reliability project replaces critical infrastructure that has reached its end of life and improves capacity significantly, while addressing voltage violations in the Metuchen area. On average, these transmission facilities are 80-plus years old.
Where will it go?
The project replaces aging infrastructure in 17 municipalities, spanning Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex counties, including Edison, Milltown, East Brunswick, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, Plainsboro, West Windsor, Hamilton, Chesterfield, Bordentown, Mansfield, Florence, Springfield, Burlington, Willingboro, and Burlington City.
Additionally, the project modifies, upgrades or reconfigures 17 electric stations, including Metuchen Switching Station, Pierson Avenue Substation, Meadow Road Substation, Edison Switching Station, Brunswick Switching Station, Devils Brook Substation, Plainsboro Substation, Dey Road Switch Rack, Forrestal Substation, Trenton Switching Station, Yardsville Substation, Ward Ave Substation, Colonial Pipe, Crosswicks Area Substation, Williams Substation, Bustleton Substation, and Burlington Substation.
When will it be built?
The project is separated into three segments and requires overhead transmission modifications within existing PSE&G right of ways. The existing 138kV lattice towers supporting the overhead lines will be replaced with monopoles.
Segment 1 runs from Metuchen to Brunswick.
Segment 2 runs from Brunswick to Trenton.
Segment 3 runs from Trenton to Burlington.
This project is anticipated to be in-service in June 2022.
How much will it cost?
The project cost is estimated to be $739 Million.
What are the benefits to the region?
The work within our stations and right of ways will be beneficial to deliver safe, reliable electric service to our customers, increase the resiliency of the electric transmission system, and foster economic growth in New Jersey by creating construction jobs and providing vital electric service for further economic growth.
What approvals are you seeking?
PSE&G will secure all required permits and approvals from all federal, state and local governmental agencies with jurisdiction over the upgrade project.
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.
Learn more about EMF
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions and comments about the Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project, call the Metuchen-Trenton-Burlington Project Information Line at 1-888-431-0555.
For media inquiries, please call PSE&G's Media Hotline at 973-430-7734.
