NYSEG and RG&E Responding to Outages Cause by Winter Storm Ezra

More than 525 crews staged around state, poised to restore


LANCASTER, N.Y. — December 29, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are responding to outages in Western and Central New York caused by impacts of Winter Storm Ezra, which has begun to deliver the forecasted hazardous wind gusts, lake effect snow, and icing to Upstate New York. 

Both NYSEG and RG&E service areas are experiencing impacts, with the most significant outages in Lancaster and Rochester Central. The Companies are engaged in response with more than 525 line and contract crews staged around the state for restoration efforts.

Early freezing rain and wind gusts have caused approximately 14,000 outages in NYSEG’s Lancaster division, which includes portions of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie Counties and approximately 7,000 outages in Rochester Central in Monroe County.

The Companies have been closely monitoring weather forecasts and have leveraged steps already taken to prepare, including use of staged crews and equipment across the state, mobilized employees for storm response, and secured additional contract line and tree resources. As the storm continues to impact customers, NYSEG and RG&E are ready to respond and restore service as safely and quickly as possible.

COMPANY PREPARATIONS 

Readying Crews
In preparation for the event, the company pre-staged more than 525 line and tree crews across the state to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews are onsite and are prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response.

Equipment Summary
The line and tree crews are staged and prepared to respond to any wind-related issues with heavy equipment, including bucket trucks, backhoes, etc.

How to Stay Up-to-Date 
NYSEG and RG&E will continue to provide updates throughout the event on their websites and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and X). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.  
  
Safety Tips 
The Company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages occur. 
 
Before a storm strikes: 

  • You can use our mobile apps 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. 
  • 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 here for NYSEG and here for RG&E.
  • 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 1.800.572.1131 and RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701 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 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 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 1.800.572.1131 and RG&E customers are asked to call at 1.800.743.1701 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 or RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages: 

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG 
  • X: @NYSEandG
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co
  • Facebook: @RochGandE
  • X: @RGandE
  • Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric 

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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 www.nyseg.com.

About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit www.rge.com.

About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading energy company in the United States working to meet the growing demand for energy for homes and businesses across the nation through service, innovation, and continued investments by expanding grid infrastructure and energy generation projects. Avangrid has offices in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and Oregon, including operations in 23 states with approximately $48 billion in assets, and has two primary lines of business: networks and power. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. Through its power generation business, Avangrid owns and operates 80 energy generation facilities across the United States producing 10.5 GW of power for over 3.1 million customers. Avangrid employs approximately 8,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens – in 2025 for the fifth consecutive year. The company was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2025 for the seventh consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com. 

Media Contact:
Florencia Feleder
Florencia.Feleder@avangrid.com  
838.292.6869