Utility & Infrastructure

PSE&G’s Tropical Storm Isais Response

Utility company to reimburse customers for spoiled food and medicine

PSE&G is expanding its claims policy due to the COVID-19 pandemic so that customers whose electrical service was interrupted by Tropical Storm Isaias for at least 72 hours can be reimbursed for spoiled food and medication. The tropical storm knocked out power for more than 575,000 customers in New Jersey, making it the fifthmost destructive storm in our company’s 100- plus year history.

“We recognize that losing power in August, together with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a hardship for many of our customers,” PSE&G President Dave Daly said. “Given the unique combi nation of circumstances, we believe the right thing to do is to expand our claims process to ease the burden on the customers most impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias.”

PSE&G will reimburse residential customers up to $250 and commercial customers up to $5,000 for food spoilage if their service was interrupted for 72 hours or longer between Aug. 4 and 12, 2020 because of Tropical Storm Isaias. For residential customers, food spoilage Test Your Heating Systems claims of $150 or less must include an itemized list. Food spoilage claims over $150 must include an itemized list and proof of loss (for Now example: cash register tapes, store or credit card receipts, canceled checks or photographs PSE&G offers free service call to gas customers of spoiled items). through Sept. 13 Separately, customers will be reimbursed for losses, up to a maximum of $300, for prescription medications that spoiled due to lack of refrigeration. Customers must provide an C hilly weather will be here before you know it. PSE&G, New Jersey’s largest utility, IS encouragING its residential gas heating customers to test their heating equipment now so they can be confident systems will operate safely and efficiently itemized list of the medications and proof of when temperatures begin to drop. loss (for example: pharmacy prescription label If you have a problem starting your system, a PSE&G service technician will check or pharmacy receipt identifying the medicine). it for free now through September 13. From September 14 through October 31, there will

Commercial customers applying for rebe a $25 charge to have PSE&G check and/or start the system. imbursement must supply an itemized list of To make an appointment, you can call 1-800-350-PSEG (7734) or schedule online spoiled food and proof of loss (invoices, inat nj.myaccount.pseg.com. ventory lists, bank statements). “It’s important to inspect your gas-fired heating system now to ensure it will work

Customers can apply for reimbursement properly when you need it most,” said Joe Forline, PSE&G vice president, Gas Operaat pseg.com/claims. Reimbursement claims tions. “Many customers can take care of issues such as an unlit pilots, turning on emercannot be processed over the phone. gency switches, and adjusting thermostats, but we’re here to help when needed. These

Customers have until Sept. 16, 2020, to simple checks can ensure your heater is ready.” file claims. Reimbursement is expected to take up to 60 business days from when a propHow to check your heating system: er claim form is completed and submitted to • Check that the area surrounding the unit is free of combustible items including PSE&G. boxes, paper, clothing, paint and other flammables.

Make sure that the flue pipe is connected and in good condition. If you have a hot water boiler, check that the indicator on the pressure gauge falls into the normal range (12-15 psi cold). If you have a steam heating system, check the water level in the sight glass. If it is low, turn on the water supply valve to bring the water level up to the halfway mark, and then turn off the valve. For warm-air furnace systems, check and replace dirty air filters. Check that the blower door is closed tight and correctly secured. Make sure that all controls, valves and electrical switches are in the “on” position.

How to start your heating system:

If the unit is equipped with a pilot, confirm that it is lit. If the pilot is out, follow the instructions on the heating unit to relight it.

Let the pilot light burn a few minutes before continuing.

Many heating units use a form of automatic ignition. Review the starting instructions located on the unit before continuing.

Set each thermostat mode to “heat” (if equipped), and raise the setting five degrees above room temperature. The heating system should start within a minute or two.

Let the unit run a few minutes to ensure it is operating normally and then return all controls to their previous settings.

If you’re having problems:

Need help starting the system? PSE&G will perform this service free-of-charge for customers who schedule an appointment through September 13.

Not working properly? PSE&G customers can log in to My Account at pseg.com or call 1-800-350-7734 anytime to schedule repair services.