West Orange to Fairmount Heights Reliability Project

About the Project

The West Orange-Fairmount Heights Reliability Project will add an underground transmission circuit in Essex County, New Jersey. The new 230,000 volt (230kV) circuit will deliver the increased electric capacity required by New Jersey businesses and residents, increase transfer capability, provide better power quality, and reduce transmission system congestion.

PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., the regional entity responsible for planning the transmission system, identified the need for the West Orange-Fairmount Heights Reliability Project, and assigned it to PSE&G to ensure reliability of electricity supplies in the region.

Underground Transmission – West Orange Station to Fairmount Heights Station  

An underground circuit will be added from PSE&G’s West Orange Switching Station in West Orange to the New Fairmount Heights Switching Station in Newark. The circuit will span more than 6 miles, traversing West Orange, Orange, East Orange, Irvington, and Newark.

Route Selection

The route utilizes the public rights-of-way for the entire span. The route for the underground portion was chosen to minimize impacts to state, county and municipal roads.

Approvals

The project will secure al necessary permits and approvals from municipalities along the route, as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other appropriate state and local agencies.

Projected schedule

• Underground Construction Start – Fall 2016
• In-service date – Summer 2018