8 P.M. - NYSEG and RG&E Announce Estimated Restoration Time; Dry Ice and Bottled Water Available for Customers in Geneva

 

Companies expect to restore power to all remaining affected customers by 11 p.m. Friday

 

Dry Ice and Bottled Water will be available on Friday at the Waterloo Fire Department

 


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — September 3, 2026, 8 p.m. — Crews for New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) will continue their work overnight and Friday to restore power for customers whose service was affected by Wednesday’s thunderstorms. The Companies anticipate that power will be restored to all customers by 11 p.m. on Friday, September 4.  

 

Crews have restored power to more than 46,000 NYSEG customers since Wednesday. Approximately 4,300 customers in the Company’s Geneva division, which includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates counties are without power. Fallen trees from the storm have not only impacted the Company’s electrical infrastructure, they are blocking road access for crews and emergency responders. 

 

NYSEG will be distributing dry ice and bottled water on Friday to customers in need in the Geneva division. Details are below.

 

Friday, September 4, 2026 | Time TBD

Waterloo Fire Department
39 East Water Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
 

 

Nearly 40,000 RG&E customers had their service interrupted since Wednesday. Approximately 1,300 customers in the Company’s Central and Fillmore divisions, which include Monroe, Orleans, Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties, remain without power. 

 

Crews will continue their work until all customers have their power back. 
 

NYSEG and RG&E urge 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. RG&E’s line at 1.800.743.1701 or contacting 911.

 

Outage Information:

Sign-up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text or e-mail as the Companies updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG and here for RG&E.

 

Customers can use the NYSEG or RG&E 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” or “RG&E.” 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 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
•    Twitter/X: @NYSEandG
•    Instagram: @nyseg.co
 

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Media Contact:

Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284