PSE&G Ready For A Battle With Mother Nature To Keep Power On
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The largest electric and gas provider in the Garden State says they're ready to go for what could be a busy week of battling Mother Nature to keep the power on.
The snow usually doesn't cause many outages, but it can under the right conditions according PSE&G Spokeswoman Karen Johnson.
"This wet, heavy snow will have the opportunity to stick to the wires," Johnson said.
Which can result in those lines snapping, and falling to the ground. Tree branches near wires can also be problem, as some break easily when frozen. Johnson says PSE&G has all available personnel on hand, and all the necessary equipment ready to roll to handle those types of situations. They've even made arrangements with contractors and tree service companies to help out their own workforce to try and minimize restoration times. If you come across a downed power line, Johnson says stay away.
"Please don't got near it. Call us, call 911. Report it immediately so we can come and take care of that," Johnson said.
Johnson adds that you should always assume that a downed power line is still live.