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