PSEG Long Island has started work to improve the reliability of the electric grid in Smithtown as part of its ongoing “Power On” program. The initiative is designed to strengthen infrastructure and reduce outages during severe weather.
“We are working hard to reduce the number of outages that occur during severe weather by strengthening the electric lines that directly power homes and businesses. This Power On infrastructure improvement project in Smithtown is part of PSEG Long Island’s ongoing, multi-year effort to continue to improve electric reliability for customers,” said Peggy Keane, Vice President of Construction and Operations Services at PSEG Long Island.
The upgrades began in early September and are expected to take about two months. Licensed contractors will be working along distribution lines in Smithtown, with safety measures such as cones, flaggers, and signage in place at worksites. Local officials will receive advance notice regarding any traffic issues.
The storm-hardening improvements include replacing some utility poles with stronger versions capable of withstanding higher winds. These new poles will have a stronger base but remain similar in height and location compared to existing ones. Shorter cross arms will be installed on some poles to help wires deflect falling tree limbs rather than catch them. The company will also install more resilient wire and upgrade or replace worn equipment as needed.
Work will take place on several streets:
– North of Shirley Court between Laurel Lane and Wyandanch Boulevard
– Shirley Court between Laurel Lane and Wyandanch Boulevard
– Wyandanch Boulevard between Shirley Court and Veterans Memorial Highway
PSEG Long Island prepares year-round for extreme weather events to maintain service for approximately 1.2 million customers. Since 2014, it has invested significantly in strengthening its electric infrastructure using funding from FEMA and LIPA, completing storm hardening on over 1,000 miles of mainline circuits.
Since launching Power On in spring 2020 after the conclusion of the FEMA program, PSEG Long Island has reinforced more than 437 miles of vulnerable circuits across Long Island and the Rockaways with stronger poles, thicker wire, and modern equipment. These efforts have resulted in fewer outages for customers; from Q2 2024 through Q2 2025, storm-hardened sections saw a 43% reduction in outage-causing damage compared with other parts of the system.
The Power On program focuses on mainline circuits—the backbone that feeds branch lines powering homes and businesses throughout communities.
Further information about current projects can be found at psegliny.com/inthecommunity/currentinitiatives/stormhardeningprojects.
