FAQ: Municipal Complex Redevelopment Plan & PSE&G Substation
Published on October 20, 2026
1. Why does PSE&G say Montclair needs a new electrical substation?
The existing electrical substation at 60 Valley Road was built in 1925 and still operates with some of its original equipment. PSE&G has stated that the facility is nearing the end of its useful life and no longer meets modern standards.
The substation serves approximately 9,000 customers, including 21 schools, five emergency facilities, 38 houses of worship, and multiple Township facilities.
PSE&G has stated that aging equipment has contributed to power outages and that replacing the facility would improve electrical reliability, reduce the risk of equipment failure, and help meet future electricity demands.
PSE&G presented information about the need for a new electrical substation and its site-selection process at the October 20, 2026 Council meeting. Residents can watch the presentation from the meeting on YouTube.
2. Why is PSE&G considering the Municipal Complex property?
PSE&G began exploring locations for a replacement substation after notifying Township officials in 2023 that its existing facility needed to be replaced. In May 2026, PSE&G formally expressed interest in the Municipal Complex property, which includes approximately 1.96 acres at 205 Claremont Avenue, 57 Park Street, and 68 North Fullerton Avenue.
According to PSE&G, the property's central location and relatively limited underground utility congestion make it more attractive than some previously considered locations.
3. Why is the Township considering redeveloping the Municipal Complex?
The Township has been exploring options for the future of the Municipal Complex for years due to deficiencies in the existing municipal building. Options discussed at numerous public meetings have ranged from renovating the existing building to relocating municipal operations elsewhere.
A key consideration is the cost of each option, including how much the Township could receive for the Municipal Complex property if it were sold. Currently, the property is zoned for public uses only, which limits its potential value.
Changing the zoning through a redevelopment plan is a procedural step that would allow additional uses on the property and help the Township better evaluate its potential value so a comparison can be made of the relative costs of continuing the use of the property for municipal purposes versus the net cost of locating the municipal building elsewhere taking into account the revenue that would be realized from selling the property.
This process began long before PSE&G expressed interest in the property. The previous Township Council designated the property as an area in need of redevelopment, and the current Council is taking the next step by considering a redevelopment plan.
4. What is Ordinance O-26-39, “Adopting a Redevelopment Plan for the Municipal Complex Property”, and does it mean a PSE&G substation has already been approved?
No. Ordinance O-26-39 does not approve a PSE&G substation or authorize its construction.
The ordinance would adopt the Municipal Complex Redevelopment Plan, establishing what types of development would be permitted on the property. These would include public utility use, in addition to other uses that are allowed in the area adjoining the municipal property.
5. What would a new substation look like? How much noise will the substation make?
The exact size, layout, appearance, and other design details of a potential substation at the Municipal Complex have not been established. PSE&G has discussed how modern substations can incorporate landscaping, setbacks, screening, and architectural features to fit the character of the surroundings. If PSE&G goes forward with the substation at the property, it would be subject to review and approval by the Township.
Regarding noise, PSE&G representatives stated that operational noise from a new substation would be minimal. According to PSE&G, this noise would generally not be very noticeable from across the street.
6. How can residents provide input and feedback on the proposed substation?
PSE&G has repeatedly stated its commitment to holding public engagement meetings, including a town-wide meeting and a separate meeting for residents living near a potential substation location.
During its August 2025 Township Council presentation, PSE&G indicated that these meetings would provide opportunities for residents to ask questions and offer feedback on aspects of the project, including landscaping, screening, and other design considerations.
Dates for future PSE&G public engagement meetings have not yet been announced. The Township will share this information when it becomes available and continue to provide updates as the process moves forward.