NYSEG Crews Continue to Work on Restoration - 5 pm

Crews spread throughout region making critical repairs as safely and quickly as possible


MECHANICVILLE, NY — September 9, 2023, 5 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews continue to make significant progress on power restoration after thunderstorms caused major damage across the region. Currently in the company’s Mechanicville division, which includes Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties, approximately 3,044 of the total 17,800 impacted customers remain without power. NYSEG expects to restore the majority of customers today with any remaining impacted customers being restored by 6 p.m. tomorrow.

NYSEG continued to add new resources today to help restore power by bringing in crews from divisions that have already completed their restoration efforts. Currently, there are nearly 700 field personnel engaged in restoration efforts. This includes crews from Canada, Massachusetts, Ohio, Delaware and Connecticut.

Crews continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers who remain impacted. Due to the extensive damage throughout the region, cleanup, reconstruction and restoration has been labor-intensive and time consuming. Reports from the field have brought the total number of broken poles up to 31 and the number of downed wires has surpassed 185.  A major focus today was setting new poles to replace those that were damaged in the storm. Efforts will continue into the evening and overnight until every customer is restored. 


For impacted customers, the following dry ice and bottled water distribution locations are available:

  • Chatham Fire Station, 2 Hoffman St., Chatham from 9 a.m. until gone. 
  • Lebanon Valley Protection Assoc, 523 US-20, New Lebanon from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.


A cooling and shelter location is also available for impacted customers at Canaan Fire House, 2126 State Route 295, Canaan. It will remain open until restoration is complete. 


NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur.
 

Outage Information

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the company updates 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 new 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 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, 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 company’s first priority is 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 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: @NYSEandG 

NYSEG is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. 

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