Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSE&G) is resuming work as safely and quickly as possible, as a result of New Jersey Governor Murphy's recent executive order and with approval by the Board of Public Utilities. The company's employees and contractors will follow protocols guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey State Department of Health, as well as all directives from state and local governments.
The PSE&G is already in customer homes completing air conditioning, refrigerator and other appliance repairs. Service technicians have responded to more than 3400 air conditioning calls within the past two weeks. More projects, such as connecting a gas line from a home to an upgraded main pipe as part of the company's Gas System Modernization Program, were expected to resume from June 1. For about two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSE&G suspended most customer visits while still responding to emergencies such as gas leaks and no heat calls.
The PSE&G's WorryFree Tech-Talk program allows technicians to assess repairs remotely and either walk customers through quick fixes or order parts that can arrive before an in-home PSE&G visit. This shortens repair times and improves service and customer experience. When PSE&G employees need to interact with customers they follow social/physical distancing protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
"Safety is always our top priority. We're pleased to resume operations while maintaining critical safety protocols that protect our customers, our employees, and their families," said Joe Forline, PSE&G vice president for gas operations. "We also are currently continuing efficiencies born during the pandemic, including our temporary WorryFree Tech-Talk program that offers virtual repairs and services with live technicians. We thank our customers, who opted to wait for in-home appointments, for their patience, understanding, and cooperation."
- Pre-screening customers, with questions regarding COVID-19 status and travel patterns, the day of service appointment prior to entry. PSE&G employees and contractors are asked the same questions before and during their shifts.
- Regularly cleaning and sanitizing tools, equipment and vehicles, as well as surfaces after a task is complete, using CDC- or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectants.
- Decontaminating all reusable items (for example, half-face respirator, goggles, safety glasses, hardhat, and so forth) after each appointment.
