NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Storms Across New York This Weekend

Companies have pre-staged additional crews across the state

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — May 20, 2022, 4:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are monitoring weather forecasts in advance of widespread thunderstorms expected to impact their service areas through Sunday. As a result of the storms, customers may experience service disruptions. The storms are expected to impact the entire NYSEG and RG&E footprint at some point over the weekend, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.

Current forecasts call for a warm front to move into the western areas of the state on Friday, increasing the likelihood of rain and thunderstorms this evening and Saturday as the weather systems moves across the state. As a cold front arrives on Sunday, an additional round of thunderstorms is possible before the system exits the state on Monday morning. The strong winds and rain associated with the storms 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 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 Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

NYSEG’s and RG&E’s storm readiness teams are pre-staging crews and equipment to ensure that resources are in place to restore any downed power lines and power interruptions in communities they serve.

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 or Android app stores. 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.

Warm Weather Tips

• Make sure your gutters and rainspouts are clear; clean them out if they are clogged.
• Set your air conditioning thermostat at 78° or higher during the cooling season. Each degree above 75° saves you 3% of the energy used to cool your home.
• When using air conditioning, only cool the rooms you need. Close doors to other rooms.
• Turn your air conditioner off when you leave home.
• Close your draperies and shades on hot, sunny days to reduce solar heat build-up.
• Close windows and doors during the hottest parts of the day.
• When cooking small meals, use only small electric appliances.

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.
• 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:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG

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