NYSEG Prepared for High Winds and Thunderstorms Today - 12 p.m.

Company has staged tree and line crews in Liberty and Oneonta divisions

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — March 31, 2022, 12 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is prepared for high winds and thunderstorms associated with an incoming cold front moving across its service areas Thursday afternoon and evening. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact the entire NYSEG and RG&E footprint. The most significant impacts are anticipated in company’s Liberty and Oneonta divisions, which includes the Catskills and portions of the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier regions.

Current forecasts call for thunderstorms to begin in the region early this afternoon, moving from west to east. As a result of the weather, average gusts of 45-55 mph are expected with the potential for isolated peak gusts of up to 60 mph possible. The storm is expected to exit the state Thursday evening. No significant precipitation is anticipated at this time.

NYSEG urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions, as thunderstorms and high winds have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the company has staged line and tree crews across the region to assist with restoration efforts. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind or rain related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, woodchippers, dump trucks and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for Outage Alerts and download the NYSEG Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

Before a Storm Strikes

  • Use our new Mobile App to report and check the status of outages. Download the application in the Apple or Android app stores. The application is free to download.
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the companies update the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for Outage Alerts by visiting here for NYSEG .
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.

Stay Away From Downed Wires

  • Stay at least 30 feet from a downed power line.
  • If a downed wire comes in contact with your vehicle, stay inside and wait for help. If you must get out because of fire or other danger, jump clear of the vehicle to avoid any contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and hop with feet together or shuffle away; don’t run or stride.
  • NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

During a Power Interruption

  • Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. A loss of power may be the result of a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.
  • To report a power interruption, contact NYSEG at 800.572.1131.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

Power Restoration Priorities

The companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the companies will:

  • Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system.
  • Develop a detailed restoration plan.
  • Make repairs as quickly as possible.

For additional information, including storm preparation tips, storm safety information, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and the company's social media pages:

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About NYSEG: New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1852, NYSEG operates approximately 35,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 4,500 miles of electric transmission lines across more than 40% of upstate New York. It also operates more than 8,150 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 20 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers. For more information, visit nyseg.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

 
Media Contact:

Kelly Packard
kelly.packard@avangrid.com
518.281.3782

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