By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Public Service Gas & Electric Co.’s proposal to make improvements and upgrades at its switching station on Bunker Hill Road gained the township Planning Board’s approval Monday night, after the board’s annual reorganization.
The utility company asked for preliminary and final major site plan approval to expand the capacitor bank, add 912 square feet to the control house, construct a 70-foot-tall lightning mast and create a storage area for portable generating equipment on trailers.
Engineer Brian Pearson told the Planning Board the improvements are necessary for efficiency and reliability purposes. The diesel generators will help with overall reliability at the switching station and substation, he said.
The existing generators are not “sized properly,” and some newer equipment is needed to act as backup generators for auxiliary equipment, Mr. Pearson said. The capacitor bank makes the transmission of electricity more efficient and reliable, he said.
PSE&G project manager Noreen Merainer said the switching station and substation primarily serve Lawrence Township residents. She explained that the facility was built in the late 1960s, and that upgrades are needed. The capacitor bank would be located about 200 feet from the property line.
Ms. Merainer also told the planners that “there are no plans to expand” the switching station “at this time.” She pointed out that it is 50 years old and that “you would want us to make improvements.”
Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun, who sits on the Planning Board, said that “wearing (his) manager’s hat,” the board members should recall the storm-related power outages that have occurred recently.
”I want to have everybody understand that some things are a little bit different. It is important to recognize what the use of the switching station is, who operates it and what it does for us community wide,” Mr. Krawczun said.
In other business, the Planning Board held its reorganization meeting and swore in five members. Glenn Collins was sworn in for a two-year term as an alternate member, and Ian Dember was sworn in for a four-year term. Mayor Jim Kownacki, Councilman Michael Powers and Mr. Krawczun were sworn in for one-year terms.
Doris Weisberg was elected to be the chairman and Kim Taylor was chosen to be the vice-chairman. Ms. Weisberg, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Krawczun and Mayor Kownacki will serve on the Planning Board Screening Committee.

