Public Service Electric and Gas will begin work to upgrade a decades-old power substation in Teaneck early next month, the company said Wednesday. 

Work at the Palisade Avenue station, near the Richard Rodda Center, is expected to begin around Jan. 2 and last until December 2013, according to PSE&G. 

"This upgrade will ensure continued safe, reliable utility service for area residents and business owners. During this period, utility service to PSE&G customers will continue as usual," a company statement said.  

"To expedite this work, PSE&G has scheduled extended work-hours Monday through Saturday. It should be noted that the construction dates and scheduled work-hours identified are tentative and subject to minimal variations due to the construction process," according to the statement. 

The project is part of a series of infrastructure upgrades on lines and substations serving Teaneck and other nearby towns. PSE&G is also continuing a project to expand the Bergenfield substation, near the Teaneck Armory. 

Company officials have said the power stations are more than 50 years old and need to be upgraded to meet growing electric demand in the area. 

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