NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Storms Across New York State This Afternoon
Companies have crews on standby throughout the state
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — June 16, 2022, 12:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are monitoring weather forecasts in advance of widespread thunderstorms and strong winds expected to sweep across New York State this afternoon and into the evening. In an abundance of caution, NYSEG’s and RG&E’s storm readiness teams have crews and equipment on standby to ensure that resources are in place to restore any downed power lines and power interruptions in communities they serve.
Current forecasts call for a mix of thunderstorms, strong winds and rain to develop across the state later today. This may impact much of the NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Southern Tier, Capital Region and Hudson Valley. The strong winds, combined with rain, have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. The companies urge customers to monitor forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.
NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their respective websites and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for outage alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.
Company Preparations
Readying Crews
The companies have crews on standby throughout the state to facilitate an effective and efficient response if outages occur.
Equipment Summary
Line and tree crews are prepared to respond, with company and contractor personnel readying bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.
Safety Tips
The company 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. Download the application in the Apple app store. The application is free to download.
- Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the companies update the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for Outage Alerts by visiting nyseg.com/alerts.
- 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 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, report on our website, use our Mobile App, or call NYSEG at 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 companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. NYSEG customers are asked to call 800.572.1131 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the companies 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 and the company's social media pages:
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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 $40 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 JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second 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.
Media Contact:
- Julio Saenz
julio.saenz@avangrid.com
585.629.7895