NYSEG Crews Responding After Severe Winds Impacted Region Overnight

Company engaging additional line and tree personnel who were pre-staged ahead of the storm to support restoration efforts   

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — January 13, 2024, 10:00 am — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding after severe winds impacted portions of its service area overnight. Currently, approximately 6,300 customers are without power in the company’s Mechanicville division, which includes Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties. NYSEG pre-staged hundreds of line and tree personnel across its service areas in preparation for the storm and are currently shifting more resources to support efforts in its Mechanicville division.

The Mechanicville division was impacted overnight by rain and strong winds reaching upwards of 50 mph. Initial reports from the field indicate that this severe weather caused more than 35 downed wires, damaged trees, broke poles, and blocked roads. Strong winds are expected to continue through the day today and have the potential to cause further damage. NYSEG storm response teams are fully engaged with crews 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.  

The company urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. All downed wires should be assumed as energized and be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 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 their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
  • Customer 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 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 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
  • X: @NYSEandG

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Media Contact:

Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159

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