NYSEG Preparing for Potential Impacts of Nor’easter - 1:00pm

Company has pre-staged crews in Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester Regions

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — January 28, 2022, 1:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is preparing for snowfall associated with a nor’easter expected to impact its service areas this weekend. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to have minimal impacts on NYSEG’s Brewster, Liberty and Mechanicville divisions, which includes parts of Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester counties.

Current forecasts call for light snowfall to begin Friday evening and continue through Saturday. The snow is expected to be dry and light with accumulation around 2-6 inches in the Brewster division and a trace amount to 5 inches in the Liberty and Mechanicville divisions when the storm exits the region on Saturday evening. Winds are expected to pick up mid-day Saturday with sustained winds around 15-25mph and a chance of peak gusts around 45mph.

While the company does not anticipate any major outages related to this storm, NYSEG urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions, as heavy snow 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 companies have pre-staged line and tree personnel, damage assessors and wire guards across the region to assist with restoration efforts if needed. 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 snow or wind related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, 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

The company also offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Before a Storm Strikes:

  • Use our new mobile app to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, customers should search “AVANGRID” in the Apple or Android app stores and select “NYSEG”. The application is free to download.
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here.
  • 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 1.800.572.1131 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 1.800.572.1131.
  • 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.

Winter Safety

  • Keep electric and gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel.
  • Snow should not be pushed or piled around electric or natural gas meters.
  • Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.

Power Restoration Priorities:

The company’s first priority is to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the company 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 on the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG

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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 $39 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 Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies – a list of America’s best corporate citizens – and was ranked number one 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.


 
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