9:30 P.M. - NYSEG and RG&E Responding After Severe Weather Causes Outages Across Service Areas

Approximately 38,000 customers affected by thunderstorms on Wednesday


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — September 2, 2026, 9:30 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) crews are responding following severe weather, including thunderstorms, that impacted the companies' service areas Wednesday evening.

More than 38,000 customers have had service interrupted by this storm. This includes approximately 21,000 RG&E customers, with the most significant impacts in RG&E's Central Division, which includes Monroe and Orleans counties, and Fillmore Division, which includes Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming counties. More than 9,700 customers in NYSEG's Geneva Division, which includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates counties, were impacted. NYSEG's Lancaster Division, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie counties, and Hornell Division, which includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Steuben, and Wyoming Counties, were also affected. 

 

Crews will continue restoration efforts until all customers have power restored.

 

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.  

 

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.
 

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 calling 911.

 

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