NYSEG and RG&E Release Storm Restoration Work Plan

A total of 97,000 customer impacted by high winds on Sunday

High winds continue into this week

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 20, 2025 — New York Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) have released their restoration plan for work after Sunday’s wind storm impacted divisions from Buffalo to Brewster. Crews worked through the day yesterday and through the night, clearing roadways for emergency vehicles, assessing damage, and restoring power where possible to the more than 97,000 customers impacted thus far by this event. The Company expects to restore most of the customers who remain without power in its Canandaigua, Auburn, Binghamton, Ithaca, Elmira, Geneva, and Oneonta divisions today. The Companies have added 217 additional field crews in the most impacted areas to assist in restoration. The Companies are also monitoring weather forecasts for additional winds and rain and will be responding to any additional damage from the second wave of this event.

At this time, approximately 1,000 customers in NYSEG service areas and approximately 1,100 customers in RG&E territory are without power. The Companies are using automation to redirect power from other sources to reduce the scope of outages as much as possible, in addition to deploying field crews to clear tree limbs and downed wires from the storm. Wind gusts are expected to continue today and into the week, so customers should remain engaged, reporting outages when necessary and watching social media for updates. The Companies have restored 97 percent of affected customers in the last 18 hours.

Details of Monday’s work plan include:

Crew Information: The Companies have onboarded additional resources to expedite restoration efforts. In total, 217 field crews are working across NYSEG’s heaviest impacted divisions to restore power. We have been placing crews strategically around the state in preparation for continued weather today.

Operational Expectations: Crews are spread throughout the divisions, making critical repairs as safely and quickly as possible. This will include setting poles to replace those damaged in the storm and completing repairs to transmission lines to build contingencies as we face upcoming weather. We are employing our advanced metering technology to idenfity and assess customers needs.

For the safety of our crews and the public, the Company reminds customers to please stay away from downed wires and do not approach crews as they are conducting work, including communications with our control center to safely conduct restoration work.

After Restoration:

NYSEG and RG&E encourage any customer without power after restoration is complete to contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131 or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701 to report the issue and allow crews to investigate. Once every customer is restored, the Companies 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 and RG&E will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the Companies’ social media channels.

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 company 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. RG&E customers call 1.800.743.1701. 

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 or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701.
• 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:

Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159