9:00 PM NYSEG Responding as Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages
More than 900 field personnel are working to restore power quickly and efficiently
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — April 29, 2025, 9 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding as severe thunderstorms continue to impact portions of its service area today. In total, approximately 20,570 customers have been impacted across the state. Currently, approximately 1,790 customers remain without power in the company’s Geneva division (Ontario, Wayne and Seneca counties), 1,789 customers in its Ithaca division (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties), and 2,407 customers in its Oneonta division (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie and Ulster counties). NYSEG has more than 900 field personnel working across its service area to restore service to customers.
Today’s strong thunderstorms brought high winds, with gusts reaching upwards of 60 mph, hail and other hazardous weather to parts of New York. Initial reports from the field indicate that the severe weather caused downed trees and tree limbs, broken poles, and downed wires throughout the region. 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.
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 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:
Media Contact:
Sarah Warren