NYSEG and RG&E Encourage Customers to Use Energy Wisely

Rochester, NY, July 31, 2006 – NYSEG and RG&E are urging customers pay particular attention to using energy wisely this afternoon and on Tuesday and Wednesday when scorching heat and high humidity are expected to drive up demand for electricity.
“We certainly understand that our customers will need to use air conditioning and fans to keep as cool as possible,” said Mike Conroy, vice president - operations at NYSEG and RG&E. “However, it is important for all of us to use energy wisely to ensure there is plenty of power to go around.”
Conroy said NYSEG and RG&E have enough power to meet customer needs and that the companies do not anticipate any problems in delivering that power. He cautioned that at times of high demand across the state, the New York State Independent System Operator can direct utilities to take measures to reduce demand – up to and including implementing short-term power interruptions – to protect the integrity of the state’s complex power grid.
As is always the case, NYSEG and RG&E crews are prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to any storm- or heat-related power interruptions.
NYSEG and RG&E offer the following energy-saving and safety tips to customers:

• Keep curtains and drapes closed to keep the sun out of your house.
• When outside temperatures rise above indoor temperatures close windows and doors to keep the heat out.
• Consider using fans instead of air conditioners.
• When you do use air conditioners, keep the thermostat set at 78 degrees or higher.
• Turn off air conditioners when you leave home.
• Turn off unused lights, TVs, computers and stereos.
• When the weather permits, hang laundry outside to dry instead of using a clothes dryer.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Wear loose fitting and light colored clothes. 
• Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.

About NYSEG and RG&E: NYSEG and RG&E are subsidiaries of Energy East Corporation [NYSE:EAS], a super-regional energy services and delivery company in the Northeast. NYSEG serves 860,000 electricity customers and 254,000 natural gas customers across more than 40% of upstate New York. RG&E serves 359,000 electricity customers and 296,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region centered on the City of Rochester. By providing outstanding customer service, promoting competition and focusing on growth, NYSEG and RG&E will continue to be valuable assets to the communities they serve. For more information, visit nyseg.com and rge.com.