SAG HARBOR, NY — PSEG Long Island is working to improve the reliability of the energy grid in Sag Harbor.
The storm hardening work on the distribution circuit is part of several system improvements included in the “Power On” program, PSEG Long Island said.
“We are working hard to reduce the number of outages that occur during severe weather by strengthening power lines that directly feed homes and businesses,” said Peggy Keane, vice president of construction and operational services for PSEG Long Island.
Work began in early March and is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day. PSEG Long Island contractors will work along distribution lines in Sag Harbor, spokespeople said.
To ensure safe traffic flow, PSEG Long Island will provide cones, flags and signage at construction sites as needed. Local officials will also be notified in advance of any traffic problems.
Storm hardening improvements include:
- Stronger poles: PSEG Long Island will replace some existing utility poles with stronger, more durable poles capable of withstanding winds of up to 135 mph. The new poles will be approximately the same height as the existing poles, have a stronger base and 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 cables deflect falling ends rather than catch them, PSEG Long Island will install smaller cross arms on some poles.
- Stronger wire: The current wire will be replaced with a more flexible and durable wire.
- Upgrade: PSEG Long Island will upgrade or replace worn equipment as needed.
Crews will be working the following roads in Sag Harbor:
- Bridge Street between Long Island Avenue and Spring Street
- Rose Street between Bridge Street and Meadow Street
- Spring Street between Garden Street and Bridge Street
- Garden Street between Spring Street and Main Street
- Union Street between Main Street and Madison Street
- Main Street between Union Street and Palmer Terrace
- Palmer Terrace between Main Street and Jermain Avenue
PSEG Long Island prepares year-round for extreme weather events to maintain reliable service for 1.2 million customers. Since 2014, the company has made significant investments in strengthening the electrical infrastructure. Using funding from both FEMA and LIPA, PSEG Long Island completed storm hardening and reliability work on more than 1,000 miles of main distribution line circuits, a release said.
Power On, a program that began in spring 2020, continues now that the FEMA program has ended. Since Power On began, more than 335 miles of the most vulnerable distribution main line and branch line circuits on Long Island and the Rockaways have been hardened with stronger poles, thicker wire and other modern equipment, PSEG Long Island said.
Investments have strengthened the system so that fewer customers experience outages and, when they do occur, the duration is shorter, especially in extreme weather conditions. In 2023, storm-hardened portions of circuits saw a 44 percent reduction in damage leading to outages compared to the rest of the distribution system, PSEG Long Island said.
“This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Sag Harbor is part of PSEG Long Island's ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for customers,” said Keane.
