PSE&G’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup began more than two years before the
opening whistle, the utility said in a recap of its role supporting the tournament at
MetLife Stadium.
The utility, which has served New Jersey for more than 120 years and provides electric
service to 2.4 million customers and natural gas to 1.9 million more, said planning for
the tournament started in February 2024. Roughly 100 employees across gas and
electric operations, emergency preparedness, physical and cybersecurity, and
information technology were involved in the effort, PSE&G said, working alongside the
stadium, state and local public safety agencies, New Jersey law enforcement and
regional partners.
The preparation included ongoing electric and gas inspections, infrastructure hardening,
emergency drills and practice run-throughs of game-day scenarios, according to the
utility. PSE&G said it also inspected and monitored dozens of electric circuits and gas
facilities supporting World Cup infrastructure across the region, and positioned field
personnel with multiple contingency plans in place for around-the-clock operational
support throughout the tournament.
Eight FIFA World Cup matches were played at MetLife Stadium, including the
championship. All eight were completed without disruption, PSE&G said. During
matches, the utility said its operations center monitored the energy system in real time
while field crews stood by — crews the utility said were ultimately never called on to
respond to a major incident.
PSE&G framed the World Cup effort as part of its broader “Jersey Ready” initiative, the
same emergency-preparedness framework it applies to severe storms and extreme-
weather events. The utility said the tournament’s smooth conclusion reflected years of infrastructure investment combined with the two-plus years of event-specific planning
that preceded it.
