PSE&G Battling Heat-Related Power Outages

PSE&G is reporting between 2,000 and 5,000 Somerset County customers without power, including many in Hillsborough.

Company estimates are for all Hillsborough customers to be back online by 11 p.m. 

The company has been battling heat-related outages through the evening, with crews working throughout the company's service area to restore power to as many as 9,000 customers without power.

Though the company reported high demand, officials said demand was not a historic demand on the system.

"Today's unofficial peak demand is 9,772 megawatts set earlier this evening," the company said in a press release. "The all-time peak demand of 11,108 megawatts was set in August 2006."

The company issued the following conservation and cost-saving tips for consumers to consider through the summer:

• Turn off everything you’re not using: lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently. 
• Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home.  With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
• Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until load is full.
• Refrain from using nonessential appliances. Unplug or use only when necessary an extra refrigerator in your garage. Also, customers should consider setting their air conditioners to 78 degrees, health permitting. 

If you experience a power outage, call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG.  Customers who are registered with My Account can also report power outages online.