Uniondale, NY - September 3, 2016 - PSEG Long Island continues to monitor the track and potential impact Tropical Storm Hermine will have on its service territory tomorrow and through next week. The utility is ready to respond to possible power outages and is encouraging its customers to take the steps necessary to be prepared and safe.
“The current forecast is showing that Hermine will settle off Long Island and not pass off of Montauk until, possibly, late Wednesday,” said John O’Connell, vice president of transmission and distribution, PSEG Long Island. “Receiving support from off-island utilities and contractors that will work alongside our own highly trained line personnel will allow us to promptly and safely restore power to our customers. All crews will work 16-hour shifts once the restoration efforts begin.”
PSEG Long Island has more than 1,500 line and tree personnel ready to respond to the approaching storm. The utility continues to coordinate the arrival of more than 700 mutual aid personnel from Hydro Quebec and National Grid – Upstate New York, among other electrical and tree contractors from across the United States and Canada to support PSEG Long Island and its customers.
Eight staging and crew processing areas across the service territory are staffed, where outside crews will report to work and be dispatched. PSEG Long Island is also prepared to set up mobile customer outreach centers to provide ice and bottled water, as needed.
In addition to having additional personnel and equipment at the ready, PSEG Long Island has installed barriers at a number of substations to keep water out. Under PSEG Long Island’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance storm hardening program, the utility has strengthened the electric grid to better withstand extreme weather and allow for faster power restoration, including elevating a number of substations above flood level in preparation for this kind of severe weather.
Electrical Safety Guidelines for Floods
- If rising water threatens your home – or if you evacuate your home – turn off your power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box
- Electric current passes easily through water. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don't drive over – and don't stand near – downed power lines
- Downed lines will be hard to see in the rain and can potentially be hidden in standing water. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path
- If your home or business is flooded, PSEG Long Island can't reconnect power until the electrical system has been inspected by a licensed electrician. If there is damage, an electrician will need to make repairs and obtain verification before power can be restored
Be Prepared and Stay in Touch
- Save PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075
- Familiarize yourself with PSEG Long Island’s mobile-friendly website, online Outage Center and Outage Map for the most up-to-date information customers might need when the storm hits
- Sign up now for MyAlerts, PSEG Long Island’s text message service. Report a power outage by text and receive status updates by text and/or email. Since this requires an account number for a one-time registration, it’s best to do it beforehand. To register, text REG to PSEGLI (773454) or visit the My Account section of the website
- Like PSEG Long Island on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates before, during and after the storm. Remember, though, outages cannot be reported through social media
- Charge all mobile phones, tablets and other handheld devices in advance of the storm
- Make sure everyone in the family is prepared and knows what to do if there is an emergency Visit here to learn about the PSEG and Sesame Street App “Let’s Get Ready: Planning Together for Emergencies”
- Watch PSEG Long Island’s YouTube videos at YouTube videos for tips on how to prepare your family and how power is restored after a storm
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of approximately $10.4 billion.