Fact Sheet - Northeast Grid Reliability Project

Overview

The Northeast Grid Reliability Project will upgrade the overhead transmission system and add underground transmission circuits in northeastern New Jersey.  The project will deliver additional electric capacity for nearly 1 million New Jersey residents and businesses, increase electricity transfer capability, provide improved power quality and reduce transmission system congestion. PJM Interconnection LLC, the regional entity responsible for transmission system planning, identified the need for this important project and assigned it to PSE&G to enhance reliability of electricity supplies in the region. 

New Jersey Benefits   

A 2012 economic impact analysis[1] from the Rutgers University School of Planning and Public Policy identified economic project related benefits to New Jersey in three key areas:

Economic Benefits from Construction

Over 3,000 new construction based jobs projected for New Jersey Increased revenue from jobs and income which in turn increases local spending on goods and services Projected local construction economic impacts of $790 million – approximately 88% of the total project estimated cost of $975 million Improved transmission system which reduces overall costs of delivering electricity.

Local and State Tax Revenues:

  • Estimated state tax revenues of approximately $29.7 million from direct and indirect jobs generated by construction activity.
  • Estimated local tax revenues of approximately $46 million in projected property tax revenues resulting from expenditures generated by new income and revenues. 

Improved System Reliability:

  • Reliable transmission lines ensure a dependable supply of electricity available to all users.
  • Affordable electricity for residential consumers
  • Access to energy needed for businesses to expand and create new jobs
  • Ample electricity needed for local public, health and safety facilities to provide important services

Project At a Glance

Estimated Project Cost:            $975 million

Voltage upgrades:                     230 kV

Project Segments:                    The Northeast Grid Reliability Project consists of 4 distinct segments:

  1. Overhead Transmission Upgrade from Hudson to Roseland (50 miles)
     
    • Beginning at Hudson Switching Station in Jersey City through Kearny, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Belleville, Nutley, Bloomfield, Clifton, Little Falls, Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, West Caldwell and ending at the Roseland Switching Station. 
    • Existing Towers will be replaced in Jersey City, Kearny, Lyndhurst, North Arlington, Clifton, Little Falls, Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, West Caldwell and Roseland. [2]
       
  2. Underground Transmission – Jersey City (3.5 miles)
    • From the Hudson Switching Station to South Waterfront Switching Station in Jersey City.
       
  3. Underground Transmission – Bergen Station to Athenia Station (15 miles)
    • Through Clifton, Garfield, Saddle Brook, Lodi, Rochelle Park, Maywood, Hackensack, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, and Ridgefield. 
       
  4. Substation Upgrades
    • Upgrades will be made at the following stations:  West Caldwell, Cook Road (Nutley), Kingsland (North Arlington), Turnpike (Kearny) and Kearny.
    • Stations to be reconfigured include:  Roseland, Athenia (Clifton), Saddle Brook, Essex (Newark), Hudson and South Waterfront (Jersey City)             

Anticipated Project Schedule

            Underground Construction Start Date:      Summer 2013

            Overhead Construction Start Date:            Fall 2013

            Estimated In-Service Date:                      June 2016

 

[1] From a 2012 Rutgers University School of Planning and Public Policy Research Brief:  Economic Impact of Construction Expenditures for PSE&G’s Northeast Grid Reliability Project.   
[2] Existing Towers in Bloomfield, Nutley, Belleville and North Arlington are already built for 230  kV power and will not be replaced. 
 

 

For more information on this project, please contact:
Joe McQueen
1-877-678-5784
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For media inquiries regarding this project, please contact:

PSE&G's Media Hotline
973-430-7734
    1. What is a Transmission Line?
    2. What will this project do?
    3. Why is this upgrade needed?
    4. How was this route selected?
    5. Where will it go?
    6. When will it be built?
    7. How much will it cost?
    8. What are the benefits to the region?
    9. What approvals are you seeking?
    10. Do the lines produce electric and magnetic fields?
    11. Are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) harmful?
    12. Who can I contact for more information?

     

    What is a Transmission Line?

    An overhead transmission line is a set of three wires, called conductors, attached to structures that deliver electric power from g generating sources (aka wind turbine, solar, etc) to customers. The power is then distributed to consumers from the substations through lower-voltage distribution lines. The three transmission line conductors carry the electric power, but transmission lines also may have one or two smaller wires called shield wires at the top of the structure that protect the line from lightning strikes. Transmission lines are designed to operate at a specific design voltage. The higher the voltage, the more electric power a transmission line can carry.

    What will this project do?

    PSE&G’s Northeast Grid Reliability Project will ensure reliable electric power for nearly 1 million New Jersey residents in the northern part of the state by upgrading the overhead transmission system and substations from 138,000-volt (138kV) to 230,000-volt (230kV) operation, and adding additional underground circuits for improved reliability.

    Why is this upgrade needed?

    People are using more electricity to power everything from big-screen televisions to computers and the latest kitchen appliances. The existing transmission system in the project area, some of which dates back to the 1920s, was built before the popularity of computers, large televisions, iPods, cellular phones and other electric devices that have become common in our lives. Population trends indicate continued growth in the region.

    PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., the regional entity responsible for planning the transmission system, identified the need for the Northeast Grid Reliability Project, which is designed to deliver the electric power required by New Jersey businesses and residents.

    The project will relieve transmission system congestion and provide better power quality in the region. The recommended solution to improve reliability is to upgrade and convert the existing overhead transmission circuits, substations and switching stations from 138kV to 230kV, and add additional underground circuits.

    How was this route selected?

    The selected route for overhead transmission upgrades follow existing PSE&G rights-of-way for the project from the Roseland Switching Station to the Hudson Switching Station in Jersey City, thereby minimizing the construction impact to the surrounding communities.  The route for the underground portion was chosen to minimize impacts to state, county and municipal roads.

    Where will it go?

    Overhead transmission wire upgrades will take place in Roseland, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Little Falls, Clifton, Bloomfield, Nutley, Belleville, North Arlington, Newark, Lyndhurst, Kearny, and Jersey City along the existing PSE&G right of way.

    Also, five PSE&G stations will be upgraded to 230kV. They are: West Caldwell Substation, Cook Road Substation in Nutley, Kingsland Station in North Arlington, Turnpike Station in Kearny and Kearny Switching Station in Kearny.

    The following 230kv stations will be reconfigured: Roseland Switching Station, Athenia Switching Station in Clifton, Saddle Brook Substation, Essex Station in Newark, Hudson Switching Station in Jersey City and South Waterfront Switching Station in Jersey City.

    Additional underground transmission circuits will be added in Clifton, Garfield, Saddle Brook, Lodi, Rochelle Park, Maywood, Hackensack, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, Ridgefield, and Jersey City.

    When will it be built?

    Construction of the underground portion began in the summer of 2012.  Overhead construction could began in the fall of 2013. The project will be in-service in June 2016.

    How much will it cost?

    The project cost is estimated to be $975 million.

    What are the benefits to the region?

    In a word - reliability. The upgrade will help the region’s utilities meet the growing demand for safe, reliable electricity.

    What approvals are you seeking?

    PSE&G will secure necessary permits and approvals from local governing authorities along the route, 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.

    Learn more about EMF 

    Who can I contact for more information?

    If you have questions or concerns call our toll free number at 1-877-678-5784.

August 27, 2014

Rutgers Study: PSE&G is an Economic Engine for New Jersey
Transmission upgrades responsible for creating 6,000 jobs annually from 2011-2021

(Newark, NJ – August 27, 2014) – From 2011 to 2021, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) investments in New Jersey’s electric transmission network will be a powerful stimulant of the state’s economy, according to an analysis by Rutgers University. The report, released today, concludes the company’s 10-year, $8.1 billion transmission investment program will support 6,000 jobs annually -- generating more than $4.3 billion in salary and benefits and... Continue Reading

August 18, 2014

PSE&G Begins Underground Construction in Ridgefield Park as part of Northeast Grid Electric Reliability Project

(Newark, NJ – August 18, 2014) Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) has begun construction through Ridgefield Park as part of the utility’s Northeast Grid Electric Reliability Project. The utility will be installing 15 miles of new 230,000 kilo-volt (230kV) underground electric transmission circuit from its Athenia Switching Station in Clifton to the Bergen Switching Station in Ridgefield. The underground route in Ridgefield Park runs from Railroad Ave. to Mt. Vernon St. to Teaneck Rd. to the Bergen Turnpike. Manhole installation... Continue Reading

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