NYSEG Lineworkers Honored by Town of Beekman for Dedicated Storm Response
Community event celebrates NYSEG’s crews
Brewster, N.Y. — August 7, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) lineworkers and storm response teams were recognized on August 5 by the Town of Beekman during a special Lineworker Appreciation Day held at Beekman Town Hall. Community leaders and elected officials gathered to thank NYSEG crews for their commitment and tireless efforts restoring power for town residents following recent severe weather.
More than 30 IBEW local 10 workers from NYSEG's Brewster Division, which serves Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, attended the event, which included lunch for crews, remarks from local leaders and presentations honoring the company's workforce.
“Behind every storm response is a team of skilled, dedicated NYSEG lineworkers and other electrical workers committed to safely serving our customers and communities. When severe weather hits, our crews work long hours in challenging conditions to restore power and help our communities recover. We are grateful to the Town of Beekman for recognizing the commitment of our lineworkers and support staff and the essential work they perform every day,” said Patricia Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E.
“It was rare, but certainly gratifying and an honor, to see IBEW Local 10 members recognized and especially thanked by the Town of Beekman for their prompt storm response. That includes all of our job classifications that assisted during this weather event. During a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, they set aside their Fourth of July plans, left their families behind, and came into work to restore power and protect lives and property. Our highly skilled lineworkers worked efficiently, smartly, and safely to get the job done under dangerous conditions. We thank them all and appreciate their continued efforts,” said James Carcaldi, Business Agent at IBEW Local 10.
The recognition comes after a challenging summer storm season. During June and July, approximately 61,300 customers across NYSEG's Brewster Division experienced storm-related outages as a result of two major weather events. Within the Town of Beekman, nearly 12,000 customer interruptions were caused by storm-related outages during the same period. Despite extensive damage caused by severe weather, including fallen trees, downed conductors, and damaged transformers and poles, NYSEG crews restored the vast majority of affected customers within 24 hours.
“I've seen firsthand the incredible work our line workers and utility crews do to keep our communities running. Whether it's restoring power in the middle of the night after a storm or working long hours in Internal Use difficult conditions, they're always ready to answer the call to protect their communities. Their commitment to serving our communities deserves our thanks and appreciation. I'm grateful for the hardworking men and women of NYSEG, and for the strong partnership they have with our local leaders to make sure our residents have the reliable service they depend on every day," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).
"Time and time again this year, we've seen NYSEG line workers and utility crews answer the call for our communities, working long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions to restore power after storms and keep residents safe. We're grateful for their dedication and commitment to the people they serve, and for the strong partnership between NYSEG and our local communities. By working together, we can strengthen our emergency response, improve communication and ensure residents receive the reliable service they deserve,” said NYS Senator Rob Rolison (9th District).
“Beekman and the surrounding communities have been hard hit by severe storms this summer. I saw the extensive damage firsthand and witnessed the tremendous effort of the NYSEG line workers and public works crews to clear fallen trees and downed power lines, as they worked tirelessly to restore power and open roads and we are grateful. Dutchess County and NYSEG have a strong partnership, together with the local municipal leaders, built on open line of communication, that makes such an important difference during storms and the subsequent recovery period, that help us get our neighbors back to normal as quickly as possible, ” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino
"I am proud to support our utility workers who too often go overlooked. We witnessed the countless hours of hard work they put in during the aftermath of the July 4th storms. They answer the call 24/7 and deserve to be recognized. I am proud to stand with them today," said Dutchess County Legislator Chris Rolison (23rd District).
"Line workers and utility crews play an essential role in keeping our community safe, connected, and functioning. Their work often takes place during severe weather, emergencies, and other challenging conditions, when they respond quickly to restore power and repair critical infrastructure. These dedicated professionals work long hours, often away from their families, to ensure that residents, businesses, emergency services, and public facilities can return to normal as safely and efficiently as possible. Their skill, commitment, and willingness to work in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions are invaluable to our community. We are deeply grateful for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication, and we recognize the important role they play in protecting the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents,” said Beekman Town Supervisor Laureen Abbatantuono.
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Florencia Feleder