Dear Editor:
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) New Jersey’s largest electric and gas delivery utility, with thousands of employees at work in neighborhoods across the state, is concerned, especially during the holiday season, about reports of strangers gaining access to homes by posing as utility employees.
PSE&G Security Manager Francis J. McCormick advised, "When a stranger knocks on your door, never let them inside unless you’ve seen their ID and feel comfortable, even if they claim to represent a legitimate business like PSE&G.’
"If you are ever in any doubt, immediately contact the police," he added.
While PS&G employees do not solicit or request money door to door, the utility’s employees do knock on doors to read, connect or disconnect meters or to check gas leaks.
"In all our work, safety and security, that of our employees and our customer, is our number one concern," said McCormick. "We regret having to advise people to question strangers even if they claim to be from PSE&G, even if they’re wearing uniforms, but it’s an important precaution everyone should take."
Because all PSE&G employees are required to wear photo identification badges while on the job, the utility advises that, unless you know the PSE&G person at the door, always ask to see a photo identification badge before allowing entry to your home.
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 a subsidiary of PSEG (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy and energy services company.
Public Service & Electric Gas Company
Newark