NYSEG and RG&E Crews Reach Final Stages of Restoration Following Widespread Storm Damage

Power restored to more than 191,000 customers affected by thunderstorms and heavy winds


BINGHAMTON N.Y. — June 20, 2026, 7:15 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are nearing full completion of power restoration efforts following strong thunderstorms and violent, damaging winds that moved through New York State beginning Thursday afternoon continuing through Friday. 

In total, more than 191,000 NYSEG and RG&E customers across the state were affected. The storms presented unique challenges beginning with widespread severe thunderstorms that were immediately followed by an unusually intense and prolonged wind event that caused extensive damage across much of the Companies’ service territories. 

Following significant progress by restoration crews over the past two days, with restoration efforts now nearly complete, fewer than 200 customers remain without service and are expected to be restored by this evening. The Companies recognize the hardship outages create for customers and their families and remain fully committed to restoring power to every remaining customer as safely and quickly as possible.

Crews from both companies, and lineworkers from sister company United Illuminating from Connecticut who traveled here to support restoration efforts, will continue working together to make final repairs and address any remaining damage until every customer has service returned as quickly as possible. 

Safety Tips

Outage Information: 

  • 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.
  • 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 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 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 at nyseg.com or rge.com and on the Companies’ social media pages:

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

# # #
    
Media Contact:
Adam Gaber
adamgaber@avangrid.com
917.224.6176