NYSEG Crews Continuing to Make Progress to Liberty & Oneonta Divisions

Crews working through tough conditions to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — April 4, 2024, 10 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews are continuing to make progress on restoration efforts after yesterday’s severe weather. Currently, approximately 3,094 customers remain without power in the company’s Liberty division (Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, and Ulster counties) and 2,680 customers in its Oneonta division (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Ulster counties). NYSEG crews worked through tough conditions caused by the continuing storm during the day yesterday and through the overnight to restore customers as quickly and safely as possible.

Yesterday’s severe weather caused significant damage across NYSEG’s Liberty and Oneonta divisions, which are among the company’s hardest hit services areas in the state. Wind gusts reached upwards of 55 mph and combined with freezing rain and sleet to result in a reported 19 broken poles, more than 90 downed wires and damaged transmission lines in the region. Currently, the company has more than 600 field resources working to restore power in the Liberty and Oneonta divisions and is continuing to shift resources to support the hardest hit areas. Crews are working to assess the damage, make safe downed wires, clear fallen tree debris from the roads and restore power, when it is safe and possible to do so. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.   

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 800.572.1131 or contacting 911.

 

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company's social media channels (Facebook and X). 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 its area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting nyseg.com/Alerts.

  • Customers can use the NYSEG Mobile App to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, 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, use the NYSEG Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or 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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