In support of PSE&G’s Smart Meter Program, Jet Electrical Testing, crossed a major project milestone in December – testing over one million electric meters. JET’s support for the PSE&G Smart Meter program consists not only of testing removed meters for accuracy as required by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, but also sample quality control efforts for new smart meters prior to installation. JET will test just under two million meters in total for PSE&G by the end of 2024.
PSE&G’s Smart Meter Program is key to the utility’s overall Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which enables additional benefits for customers including more information about their energy usage, near real time power outage detection and more efficient power restoration efforts following storms.
Jet Electrical Testing is a state designated, small, women-owned business, certified by the International Electrical Testing Association and the National Electrical Contractors Association as a full-service testing company specializing in commissioning, preventative maintenance, equipment repair, apparatus testing and emergency response and troubleshooting.
JET has used the opportunity with PSE&G to establish a highly functional meter test shop and workforce development program in New Jersey, allowing for the creation of over 25 full-time IBEW jobs to date. Emphasizing a hiring and onboarding program called JET PILOT (Promoting Industrial Labor Opportunities Throughout), the company has provided individuals beginning their careers, facing adversity, or seeking a well-deserved second chance with entry level positions within the IBEW.
JET PILOT offers OSHA and NFPA certifications, experience driving box trucks, forklift training and operation, meter testing equipment and software, resume writing, and interpersonal skills development. Each employee will have direct entry as a union member, work a full-time position, and receive competitive union wages with a complete benefits package inclusive of pension and annuity programs.
“JET’s interest in these individuals is for the long-term – we take time to work with them and get to know them, while we discuss other opportunities for future employment within the IBEW or with other partner companies so they may continue to find opportunities to grow into,” said Joseph Vasta, President, Jet Electrical Testing. “I recently received a call from a JET field technician working within a large data center project who met a JET PILOT graduate, now working as a union apprentice electrician. It brought me great joy to learn our JET PILOT graduate is well on the path to future success. We are working to create careers, not jobs,” Vasta added.
“PSE&G has a long-standing commitment to providing outstanding service to our customers and fostering economic development in the state,” said Dave Johnson, vice president of customer care and chief customer officer, PSE&G. “Jet Electrical Testing is the exact business partner we need, because they play a key role in helping us implement a complex, multi-year smart meter replacement project while also prioritizing job creation and workforce development here in New Jersey.”
“I am incredibly proud to see Jet Electrical Testing hit this million-meter milestone in our partnership with PSE&G, but even more proud of the integrity and success of the JET PILOT program,” said Alexandra Jingoli Smolar, CEO of Jet Electrical Testing. “To have reached this level of success while working to support job creation programs for the residents of New Jersey is a tremendous accomplishment.”
About Jet Electrical Testing
Jet Electrical Testing, LLC based in Trenton, is a state designated, small, women-owned business, certified by the International Electrical Testing Association and the National Electrical Contractors Association as a full-service testing company specializing in commissioning, preventative maintenance, equipment repair, apparatus testing and emergency response and troubleshooting. For more information visit www.jetelectricaltesting.com.
