Extreme weather

As the world faces more extreme weather, we’re working hard to make our electric grid more reliable for you. We also closely watch weather conditions and have protections in place to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable during extreme weather events.

Use the resources below to learn what we’re doing, how to stay safe and how extreme weather may affect your bill.

Stay safe during extreme weather

How extreme weather affects your bill

How we track the weather

Extreme weather protections

Stay safe during extreme weather

In New York, we experience many types of extreme weather events throughout the year. Winter storms can bring ice and strong winds, while warmer months may bring heatwaves, heavy rain, hurricanes and flooding. These events can affect your energy service and create safety risks.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help you stay safe and comfortable. Follow our tips and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from New York State.

  • Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Use fans or air conditioning when available and check on family members, neighbors or those who may be more affected by heat.
  • Close blinds or curtains during the day to help keep indoor temperatures cooler.
  • If you experience a power outage during extreme heat, consider visiting a local cooling center if one is available.


You can also visit our Summer Energy Tips page for more information.

  • Dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors during very cold weather. Cover exposed skin to help prevent frostbite.
  • Be careful when shoveling snow. Take breaks, push snow instead of lifting when possible and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and never use them near water.
  • Never use outdoor heating equipment, grills or generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas caused by incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in a matter of minutes.


You can also visit our Winter Energy Tips page for more information.

  • Secure outdoor furniture, grills and other loose items before storms arrive.
  • Keep flashlights, batteries and a charged mobile device readily available.
  • Avoid using generators indoors or near windows, doors or vents.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 800.572.1131. Always assume all lines are energized.

 

If you’re on life-sustaining equipment, get on our critical contact list. Fill out our form so we can text you before a storm and help keep you safe.

  • Never drive or walk through flooded areas. Water depth and hazards may not be visible.
  • Keep electrical devices and cords away from water.
  • Stay out of flooded basements. Water may be touching live wires and outlets. Natural gas service may also pose a hazard.
  • Contact us to turn off electricity and natural gas. Do not try to do this yourself.

How extreme weather affects your bill

Extreme weather can affect your bill for two main reasons: higher energy use and supply costs. However, we offer tools and programs to help you manage it.

Usage increase

During seasonal temperature swings you usually use more energy. This has a major effect on your bill.
Learn more about weather and usage in our Summer and Winter Energy pages.

Supply costs variations

Supply costs can change with demand. When more people use energy during extreme weather events, prices often go up. Some rates change more than others and we do not profit from supply costs.

Tools to help you

You can check your usage or view available payment agreements by logging in.
You can also learn more about our assistance programs.

How we keep track of the weather

We monitor weather conditions across our service area so we are ready for emergencies and required protections.

Our weather sources

We use the National Weather Service and NYS Mesonet as our primary sources for weather information through our company dashboard. If data from these sources is unavailable, we use The Weather Channel instead.

Extreme weather protections
 

Cold weather protections for natural gas and electric customers

  • We suspend residential service shutoffs for nonpayment when temperatures including wind chill are forecast to reach 32°F or below.

 

 

  • At your request, you may be eligible to set up a payment agreement using your HEAP benefit as the down payment.

 

Hot weather protections for electric customers

  • We suspend residential service shutoffs for nonpayment in case of an extreme heat event. An extreme heat event occurs when the heat index reaches 90°F or higher.

 

  • Residential customers who live in designated urban heat islands in our service area receive an additional two days of shutoff protection following an extreme heat event.

 

 

Buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and release more heat from the sun than natural areas, like forests or water. In cities—where these surfaces are concentrated and there is less greenery—temperatures become higher than in nearby rural areas.

These warmer areas are called heat islands. Heat islands can occur in cities or suburbs, in any climate, during the day or night and in any season.

Life-support customers

We have resources to assist customers who are on life support.

Financial assistance

We’re here to help! We provide you with assistance programs and financial plans to help you with your bill.

If your household includes only residents who are 62 or older, blind, disabled or under 18, call us at 800.572.1111. We’ll try to contact you at least 72 hours before a service shutoff to set up a payment agreement.