NYSEG and RGE Preparing for High Winds and Rain this Weekend

Companies are strategically pre-staging more than 800 line and tree crews across the state in preparation of strong winds

BINGHAMTON, NY — December 10, 2021, 11:30 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for high winds and rain associated with an incoming storm expected to impact their service areas this weekend. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact the entire NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes the Western New York, Rochester, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.

Current forecasts call for strong winds and rain to begin in Western New York Saturday morning and the storm will then move east across the state throughout the day. As a result of the weather, peak gusts in the western portion of the state have the potential to reach upwards of 70 mph. In the central and eastern parts of the state, peak winds have the potential to reach 45-55 mph. The storm is expected to exit the state early Sunday morning. 

NYSEG and RG&E urge customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions, as gusty winds have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the companies are pre-staging more than 800 line and tree crews across the state to assist with restoration efforts. Additionally, the companies have mobilized damage assessors and wire guards. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind or rain related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website 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. 

Safety Tips

Before a Storm Strikes

• Use our new 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.
• 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 or 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 800.572.1131 and RG&E customers are asked to call 800.743.1701 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations.

Winter Safety

• Keep electric and gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel.
• Snow should not be pushed or piled around electric or natural gas meters.
• Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.

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 800.572.1131 or and RG&E at 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 800.572.1131 and RG&E customers are asked to call 800.743.1701 to report downed wires.

• 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 RGE.com and on the companies’ social media pages:

• Facebook: @RochGandE and @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @RGandE and @NYSEandG

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