PSEG Working on Strengthening Circuits on Commack

PSEG crews have begun work in Commack and Hauppauge to strengthen the power grid in Commack and Hauppauge, the utility company has announced.

The work, along New Highway between Wicks Path and Adams Avenue, and New Highway between Corporate Drive and Veterans Memorial Highway, includes:

  • Stronger poles: PSEG Long Island will replace some existing utility poles with stronger, more durable poles that are capable of withstanding winds up to 135 mph. The new poles will be approximately the same height as the existing poles, have a stronger base and will be placed no more than 5 feet from the current pole locations. PSEG Long Island will actively coordinate the removal of old poles with other utilities and municipalities.
  • Narrow profiles: To help wires deflect falling limbs instead of catching them, PSEG Long Island will be installing shorter cross arms atop some poles.
  • Stronger wire: Current wire will be replaced with more resilient and durable wire.
  • Upgrading: PSEG Long Island will upgrade or replace deteriorated equipment as necessary.

The company said the work, which began Friday, could require temporary power shutoffs to protect crews as they work.

“PSEG Long Island is strongly focused on strengthening the electric lines that directly power homes and businesses, because electric reliability is more important than ever,” said Peggy Keane, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Commack and Hauppauge is part of our ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for our customers.”

The work is part of a program known as Power On, a five-year project that started in the spring of 2020,  designed to strengthen more than 59 miles of the most vulnerable distribution mainline circuits on Long Island and in the Rockaways.

Power On focuses on mainline circuits, which feed the many branch lines that power Long Island.

For more project details, visit https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/currentinitiatives/stormhardeningprojects.

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