8:30 PM NYSEG Crews Continue to Restore Outages Caused by Thursday’s Severe Thunderstorm
Significant progress made in restoration efforts; crews will remain engaged over the weekend
Majority of storm-impacted customers to be restored tonight; others restored tomorrow as crews make repairs to transmission lines
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — July 4, 2025 — 8:30 P.M. — New York Electric & Gas (NYSEG) continues to make progress in its restoration efforts after Thursday’s severe thunderstorms, accompanied by high winds, with wind gusts up to 45 mph and hail in many areas, impacted NYSEG’s eastern divisions. In total, more than 53,000 customers lost power during the storm, with 30,000 affected at the event’s peak. Currently, a total of 8,000 NYSEG customers remain without power.
The Binghamton division (which includes portions of Broome, Chenango, and Tioga counties) is the hardest hit, with approximately 7,500 customers without power. Company and contractor crews continue to work in the most affected areas, and pole-setting teams have been deployed across the area to replace more than 50 broken poles from the event. While a majority of storm-impacted customers are expected to be restored tonight, approximately 4,000 customers in the Town of Maine will be restored tomorrow due to severe damage to transmission lines located off road in hard-to-access terrain.
Company crews will remain engaged over the weekend to complete the most difficult areas and conduct system sweeps to make further repairs.
Initial reports from the field indicate that the severe weather caused downed trees and tree limbs, and downed wires throughout the region. The Binghamton division alone has more than 50 broken poles that need to be replaced. Much of the damage is located in remote areas with thick vegetation, making it difficult for crews to access. That is why the Company has tripled its resources to help in restoration efforts. NYSEG storm response teams are fully engaged with crews working to assess the damage, make safe downed wires, clear fallen tree debris from the roads, and restore power, when it is safe and possible to do so. The Company brought in additional lineworkers and tree crew personnel to help with restoration efforts. Crews will work through the night to restore power to all customers.
The company has onboarded additional resources to expedite restoration efforts. In total, more than 100 field service personnel are working across NYSEG’s heaviest impacted division to restore power, with 240 crews added to assist in restoration.
After Restoration
NYSEG encourages any customer without power after restoration is complete to contact the Company at 800.572.1131 to report the issue and allow crews to investigate. Once every customer is restored, the Company will continue to fix remaining damage that occurred but did not affect customers or the reliability of service. That will then be followed by a full system sweep of all affected circuits to look for damage or issues that may have been missed but that could cause service disruptions in the future, such as tree limbs on power lines or leaning trees.
NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the Company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The Company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur.
NYSEG urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and should be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 or contacting 911.
NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event on the company’s social media channels (Facebook and X). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe when power outages occur.
Outage Information:
• Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
• Customers can use the new NYSEG 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.
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 the refrigerator and freezer doors.
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
• X (Formerly Twitter): @NYSEandG
• Instagram: @nyseg.co
Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585-953-3159