8 P.M. - NYSEG Crews Remain Engaged as They Close in on Complete Restoration

Once restoration complete, crews will continue patrolling systems ahead of another potential storm threat


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — July 20, 2026, 8:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews remain engaged as they close in on complete restoration. More than 400 field service personnel have been working across the region to restore power to customers impacted by a tornado and devastating storms this past weekend. In total, approximately 65,000 customers were affected across NYSEG territories. Currently, just over 2,000 customers are without power. The Company expects to restore the majority of impacted customers by 11 p.m. tonight.

The Binghamton division was one of the heavily impacted areas, with extensive tree damage resulting in more than 100 broken poles, dozens of wires down and broken cross arms.  Crews have focused on replacing the remaining damaged poles, many of which were located in remote, off-road locations that required specialized equipment and additional time to access. Dedicated crews with the necessary expertise and equipment were assigned to these challenging repairs as restoration work continues through the evening.

NYSEG will continue to have crews strategically placed around the state in preparation for another potential storm threat.
 

After Restoration:

NYSEG encourages any customer without power after restoration is complete to contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131 to report the issue and allow crews to investigate. Once every customer is restored, the Companies will continue to fix remaining damage that occurred but did not affect customers or the reliability of service. That will then be followed by a full system sweep of all affected circuits to look for damage or issues that may have been missed but that could cause service disruptions in the future, such as tree limbs on power lines or leaning trees.

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the Companies’ social media channels.

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 calling 911.

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 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, 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 company's first priority is 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:

Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159