We place great importance on the meaningful relationships we’ve built with communities throughout our service area. By working side by side with local partners, we develop essential energy infrastructure that delivers dependable power while also strengthening and uplifting the neighborhoods where these facilities are located.
Across many towns in the region, we have collaborated with municipal leaders, residents, arts organizations and other community stakeholders to design substations and other critical energy assets that incorporate creative elements such as murals, art walls and custom visual features. These thoughtful designs transform functional buildings into spaces that not only supply electricity but also add vibrancy and character to their surroundings.
In addition to meeting the increasing demand for reliable energy, these initiatives have empowered residents to take part in improving their communities, highlighted the talents of local artists and helped revitalize entire neighborhoods. As an organization deeply committed to corporate citizenship, we are proud to partner with local communities to rethink the look and feel of energy infrastructure and inspire local pride.
Newark’s community art wall
Our first community-focused art infrastructure initiative took shape in Newark with the Fairmount Heights Switching Station, which became operational in March 2018. The facility was constructed to address anticipated transmission constraints, provide emergency support to the nearby Newark Switching Station and strengthen system reliability following the impacts of Superstorm Sandy.
While there were early concerns about placing the facility within a residential area, the project ultimately demonstrated what can be achieved through genuine community engagement. By welcoming residents into the planning process, the project resulted in the region’s first substation “art wall.” Spanning 48,000 square feet and standing 30 feet tall, the wall showcases artwork from 14 artists of diverse backgrounds, including six Newark-based creators. Beyond enhancing the site’s appearance, the project generated local employment and became a source of neighborhood pride.
This successful public-private partnership set a precedent for future PSE&G initiatives, highlighting how infrastructure upgrades and community identity can grow together.
Celebrating history and culture in Irvington
In Irvington, a section of Nye Avenue has been reimagined through a vibrant series of portraits displayed along the concrete walls surrounding our electric substation. Designed by nine artists, the Legends Way collection honors significant locations, moments and influential figures that have shaped the township’s history.
The substation was constructed to replace outdated equipment, improve system reliability and expand capacity, supplying electricity to approximately 14,500 Irvington customers. Its impact, however, extends well beyond power delivery, serving as a visible symbol of community pride.
At the artwork unveiling ceremony in August 2025, Mayor Tony Vauss described the portraits as a celebration of the individuals and ideas that helped define the community.
A new landmark in Orange
In Orange, a replacement substation was required after the existing facility proved vulnerable to flooding during severe storms, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene. These events put critical equipment at risk and threatened outages for nearly 9,000 homes and businesses.
The former station, located across from the new Orange Heights Switching Station, was also no longer capable of supporting the needs of a growing and increasingly complex electric grid. The new facility addresses these challenges while also delivering a design shaped by community input.
By partnering with township leaders, residents and the Valley Arts District, we hosted public workshops to gather ideas and feedback. The resulting design features a perimeter wall styled to resemble a city streetscape, complete with doors and windows, illuminated signage, landscaped areas, seating and a bold abstract mural inspired by the interconnected nature of the electric grid.
The welcoming pedestrian design and enhanced landscaping reflect the positive outcomes that can result when private organizations and civic partners collaborate on essential infrastructure projects.
“These projects exemplify PSE&G’s approach to working closely with local stakeholders to strengthen the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, we can support neighborhood revitalization and create new economic opportunities for residents and businesses.”
— Rick Thigpen, PSE&G Senior Vice President for Corporate Citizenship
Community partnerships at the core of our work
At PSE&G, we believe the most impactful projects are rooted in cooperation, innovation and shared community pride. As we continue to upgrade and expand our energy system, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our work not only delivers safe, reliable power but also contributes to a sense of identity, purpose and pride in the communities we serve.
Across many towns in the region, we have collaborated with municipal leaders, residents, arts organizations and other community stakeholders to design substations and other critical energy assets that incorporate creative elements such as murals, art walls and custom visual features. These thoughtful designs transform functional buildings into spaces that not only supply electricity but also add vibrancy and character to their surroundings.
In addition to meeting the increasing demand for reliable energy, these initiatives have empowered residents to take part in improving their communities, highlighted the talents of local artists and helped revitalize entire neighborhoods. As an organization deeply committed to corporate citizenship, we are proud to partner with local communities to rethink the look and feel of energy infrastructure and inspire local pride.
Newark’s community art wall
Our first community-focused art infrastructure initiative took shape in Newark with the Fairmount Heights Switching Station, which became operational in March 2018. The facility was constructed to address anticipated transmission constraints, provide emergency support to the nearby Newark Switching Station and strengthen system reliability following the impacts of Superstorm Sandy.
While there were early concerns about placing the facility within a residential area, the project ultimately demonstrated what can be achieved through genuine community engagement. By welcoming residents into the planning process, the project resulted in the region’s first substation “art wall.” Spanning 48,000 square feet and standing 30 feet tall, the wall showcases artwork from 14 artists of diverse backgrounds, including six Newark-based creators. Beyond enhancing the site’s appearance, the project generated local employment and became a source of neighborhood pride.
This successful public-private partnership set a precedent for future PSE&G initiatives, highlighting how infrastructure upgrades and community identity can grow together.
Celebrating history and culture in Irvington
In Irvington, a section of Nye Avenue has been reimagined through a vibrant series of portraits displayed along the concrete walls surrounding our electric substation. Designed by nine artists, the Legends Way collection honors significant locations, moments and influential figures that have shaped the township’s history.
The substation was constructed to replace outdated equipment, improve system reliability and expand capacity, supplying electricity to approximately 14,500 Irvington customers. Its impact, however, extends well beyond power delivery, serving as a visible symbol of community pride.
At the artwork unveiling ceremony in August 2025, Mayor Tony Vauss described the portraits as a celebration of the individuals and ideas that helped define the community.
A new landmark in Orange
In Orange, a replacement substation was required after the existing facility proved vulnerable to flooding during severe storms, including Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene. These events put critical equipment at risk and threatened outages for nearly 9,000 homes and businesses.
The former station, located across from the new Orange Heights Switching Station, was also no longer capable of supporting the needs of a growing and increasingly complex electric grid. The new facility addresses these challenges while also delivering a design shaped by community input.
By partnering with township leaders, residents and the Valley Arts District, we hosted public workshops to gather ideas and feedback. The resulting design features a perimeter wall styled to resemble a city streetscape, complete with doors and windows, illuminated signage, landscaped areas, seating and a bold abstract mural inspired by the interconnected nature of the electric grid.
The welcoming pedestrian design and enhanced landscaping reflect the positive outcomes that can result when private organizations and civic partners collaborate on essential infrastructure projects.
“These projects exemplify PSE&G’s approach to working closely with local stakeholders to strengthen the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, we can support neighborhood revitalization and create new economic opportunities for residents and businesses.”
— Rick Thigpen, PSE&G Senior Vice President for Corporate Citizenship
Community partnerships at the core of our work
At PSE&G, we believe the most impactful projects are rooted in cooperation, innovation and shared community pride. As we continue to upgrade and expand our energy system, we remain dedicated to ensuring that our work not only delivers safe, reliable power but also contributes to a sense of identity, purpose and pride in the communities we serve.