From Holtec International's plans for a nuclear reactor test loop to the Philadelphia 76ers and Subaru, PSE&G has plans to provide for their needs.
CAMDEN -- Some heavy-hitters are coming to Camden and with them, heavy draws on the existing power grid.
From Holtec International's plans for a nuclear reactor test loop to the Philadelphia 76ers and Subaru, PSE&G on Monday announced a $55 million project that will benefit both new businesses and residents alike.
"PSE&G has had a strong, long-standing commitment to Camden and its residents for more than 100 years," said president and COO Ralph LaRossa.
The accelerated electric and gas upgrades are part of the utility company's plans to provide for a group of 30 customers, which include Rutgers University School of Nursing and AeroFarms, while waiting for additional businesses to commit to a move to Camden.
MORE: Here are the businesses coming to Camden
The project will include higher capacity electric transformers at the Locust Street substation, new electric distribution lines from the substation to serve new customers and relocating existing gas facilities to reinforce the system already serving Camden.
About $48 million of the total -- which will be raised over time by ratepayers -- will go toward work at Locust Street. The remaining amount will go toward gas infrastructure.
"We expect these new businesses to require about 66 megawatts of new electric demand and about 360 million additional BTUs of natural gas," LaRossa said. "These critical infrastructure investments will ensure that we can deliver on those requirements.
Camden Mayor Dana Redd, who was joined by city council members and county freeholders, said such projects are "truly a team effort" that are providing jobs for current and future city residents.
"If we are going to move Camden forward ... it is crucial we have infrastructure to attract companies," Redd said, adding that progress proves Camden "can and will deliver on its promises."
"These investments in Camden's infrastructure are critical to the city's ongoing redevelopment," U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross said. "As more and more companies choose to call Camden home, we need to provide them with the power to do business."
Speaking about Great Socks LLC and its plans to bring about 70 jobs to Camden, LaRossa said it might not sound like a lot -- but it's still 67 jobs that didn't exist in Camden before.
Asked about the financial programs in place to encourage business relocation, Norcross emphasized that these infrastructure upgrades will benefits residents as well.
"If your lights go out, it doesn't matter if your a business or resident," he said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
