PSE&G Announces Route for New Regional Power Line

Follows existing transmission line to minimize impact on people, properties
and the environment

NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Following extensive review
of three possible routes under consideration for a new power line in New
Jersey that will assure the reliability of the transmission system and meet
growing demand for safe, reliable power in the region, PSE&G today announced
the selection of "Route B." The new Susquehanna-Roseland line, which is
required by PJM Interconnection, the region's independent system operator,
will help prevent overloads and possible blackouts on the power grid, such as
the one that occurred in the Northeast in August 2003.
The selected route begins in Hardwick Township, Warren County, proceeds
east to Andover Township, Sussex County, and on to Jefferson Township, Morris
County. The route continues east to Montville Township and then turns south to
Roseland Borough, Essex County. It follows an existing power line for the
entire 45-mile length and will pass through 15 municipalities: Andover
Township, Boonton Township, Byram Township, East Hanover Township, Fredon
Township, Hardwick Township, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon Borough, Montville
Township, Newton Township, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Rockaway Township,
Roseland Borough, Sparta Township and Stillwater Township.
PPL Electric Utilities, based in Allentown, Pa., is constructing the
Pennsylvania portion of the 500,000-volt (500 kV) line, which extends from its
Susquehanna switching station near Berwick, Pa. to the Delaware River. In a
statement released today, PPL also announced the selection of Route B as the
best pathway for this new line.
"The primary goal was to select a route that minimized the impact of this
important project on residents, their properties, and the environment," said
Ralph LaRossa, president and COO of PSE&G.
LaRossa said that PSE&G's decision was based on a detailed siting study
and information gathered from three public workshops held in June, as well as
comments submitted to the project Web site. He explained that Route B was
selected because it:
-- would be constructed entirely within an existing 230,000-volt (230kV)
transmission right-of-way, which already contains transmission structures and
wires, for its entire length in New Jersey. This minimizes the impact to the
environment, requiring no construction on virgin right-of-way and minimal
clearing of vegetation.
-- crosses the least amount of wooded wetlands and forested lands, and has
the least potential to permanently alter these important habitats.
-- has the least impact on aesthetics and provides the least
environmental, engineering and construction challenges.
PSE&G will now initiate the extensive approval and permitting process
needed to begin work on the selected route. In addition to the placement of
new towers and lines, PSE&G will construct two new substations -- one in
Jefferson Township, Morris County, and another at its existing property in the
Roseland/East Hanover area to support the new 500-kV line. Pending approvals,
construction would start in late 2009 with completion of the new line in time
for the summer of 2012.
Letters will be sent to affected property owners and meetings with
municipal officials will be scheduled. Prior to route selection PSE&G held a
number of workshops and public meetings so that residents and government
officials could provide input into the process. Additional public meetings
will be held before submission of permit applications so that residents and
others will have the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns.
Without the new line, PJM is projecting overloads on existing power lines
starting as early as 2013. The danger is greatest during periods when demand
is highest, such as the hottest days of summer, or when other power lines or
equipment are unavailable because of maintenance. These overloads -- the
result of steadily increasing demand for power without a corresponding
increase in the number of power lines to carry it -- could cause brownouts or
blackouts for PSE&G customers and throughout the region, according to PJM.
"PSE&G has more than a century of experience in building and maintaining
power lines that provide safe, reliable, low-cost and clean electricity to New
Jersey residents," LaRossa said. "We are committed to building the
Susquehanna-Roseland line according to all safety and environmental standards,
while being sensitive to the needs and concerns of those along the route."
Additional information and maps are available on the Susquehanna-Roseland
project Web site, reliabilityproject.pseg.com.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and
largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly
three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the
ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a
subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG),
a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).
SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G)

Bonnie Sheppard, +1-973-430-7734, for PSE&G