NYSEG Asks Customers to Limit Use of Natural Gas Due to Temporary Reduction of Supply

The company requests voluntary reduction in gas use in Chemung County communities

Binghamton, N.Y. — December 29, 2020, 5:00 p.m.— New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is asking customers in several Chemung County communities to voluntarily reduce their natural gas usage today, December 29, until noon tomorrow. The request is due to an issue identified by Corning Natural Gas that has coincided with flooding conditions experienced last week. The impacted communities are: Town of Ashland, Town of Big Flats, City of Elmira, Town of Elmira, Village of Wellsburg, Village of Elmira Heights, Town of Southport.

NYSEG natural gas customers in these areas are fed by the Corning Natural Gas system.  Emergency repairs are currently being made to impacted equipment by Corning Natural Gas personnel; NYSEG natural gas personnel are providing support to facilitate their work.

This request for voluntary reduction in natural gas use is a precaution the company is taking to ensure continued delivery of service while the repairs are underway. NYSEG is also requesting nonresidential gas customers to proactively reduce service and is coordinating efforts with local town officials. The Company anticipates this voluntary reduction will only be necessary until noon tomorrow hours as the temperatures in the area are forecasted to rise in the coming days. Only households with no health concerns who can safely reduce natural gas usage should do so.

To reduce natural gas usage customers are urged to take the following steps:

  • Lower your thermostat.  Keeping your heat at 62-65 degrees when you are home and 58 degrees when you are away for more than 5 hours and at night will help conserve natural gas use.
  • Seal and shut windows and doors. Check for leaks in your windows and doors by feeling around for cool air. Also, check that all windows and doors are closed tightly. 
  • Turn down your natural gas-powered water heater.  Set the temperature on low (120°) and use warm instead of hot water for washing clothes and dishes, or cold water if possible.
  • Use alternative methods of cooking.  Use microwaves and slow cookers rather than stovetop gas cooking.
  • Use alternative method of fuel.  If you have the ability, heat your home safely with non-natural gas sources, such as wood stove or electric heat.

In the event of a natural gas emergency, customers should contact NYSEG at 800-572-1121 or 911 from a safe location. Customers should ensure functionality of their CO detectors and replace batteries as needed.

For additional information, including natural gas safety tips, visit the NYSEG webpage for natural gas leaks and carbon monoxide exposure . Customers are also encouraged to follow the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG

We appreciate our customers’ voluntary efforts as we continue to keep everyone safe and warm by maintaining gas delivery to all of our customers.

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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 nyseg.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

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