Jet Electrical Testing, a state-designated, small and women-owned business based in Trenton, recently crossed a major project milestone, testing more than 1 million electric meters in support of Public Service Electric & Gas’ Smart Meter program.
The effort entails not only 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 2 million meters in total for PSE&G by the end of 2024.
The effort is great for energy efficiency as PSE&G’s Smart Meter program as a key to the utility’s overall Advanced Metering Infrastructure, 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.
The partnership, however, is about far more than just energy — it’s about economic development.
JET CEO Alexandra Jingoli Smolar said the company 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 more than 25 full-time IBEW jobs to date.
Emphasizing a hiring and onboarding program called JET PILOT, for 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.
“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,” Jingoli Smolar said. “To have reached this level of success while working to support job creation programs for the residents of New Jersey is a tremendous accomplishment.”
JET PILOT offers OSHA and NFPA certifications, experience driving box trucks, forklift training and operation, meter testing equipment and software, résumé 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 efforts appeal to PSE&G, said Dave Johnson, vice president of customer care and chief customer officer.
About Jet Electrical Testing
Jet Electrical Testing is a full-service testing company based in Trenton that specializes in commissioning, preventative maintenance, equipment repair, apparatus testing and emergency response and troubleshooting. It is certified by the International Electrical Testing Association and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
“PSE&G has a longstanding commitment to providing outstanding service to our customers and fostering economic development in the state,” he said. “Jet Electrical Testing is the exact business partner we need, because they play a key role in helping us implement a complex, multiyear smart meter replacement project while also prioritizing job creation and workforce development here in New Jersey.”
Jet Electrical Testing President Joseph Vasta said the company prides itself on its commitment to its employees.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Vasta said the mission of the company is simple: “We are working to create careers, not jobs,” he said.
