NYSEG Continues Outage Response as Storm Shifts East Through New York

Crews responded to more than 149,000 outages since Sunday


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — March 17, 2026, 8:00 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) continues to assess damage and is working to restore power after widespread winds and thunderstorms swept through New York State. Crews have responded to more than 149,000 outages since Sunday. Currently, there are more than 13,000 NYSEG customers without power, with the most significant impact occurring in the Company’s Liberty, Brewster, and Mechanicville divisions. These divisions include Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties. 

Weather conditions call for sustained gusty winds throughout the state on Tuesday with the possibility of additional snow in some areas later in the day. Crews responding to the storm have worked through hazardous conditions including wind, snow, and thunderstorms. Despite the conditions, crews have restored power to more than 135,000 customers. 

To support restoration efforts, the Companies are working with more than 450 contracted crews. 

NYSEG urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and should be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 or contacting 911.
NYSEG will provide regular updates to the general public until complete restoration via the Company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The Company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe during a power outage:
 

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.
  • Customers can use the NYSEG 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.” 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 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, use the NYSEG Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131.
  • 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 1.800.572.1131 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 and on the company’s social media pages:

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

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Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284