NYSEG Preparing for East Coast Storm

Company has pre-staged additional crews and equipment across the state ahead of forecasted winter storm

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — December 17, 2023 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is preparing for rain and wind associated with the storm that is expected to move across the East coast this week. As a result of the forecast, the Company has pre-staged 340 additional line and tree personnel to assist with restoration efforts, if needed. The storm has the potential to impact all of NYSEG’s service areas, but particularly the Brewster division, which includes parts of Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties, Mechanicville division, which includes portions of Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties, and Liberty division, which includes parts of Delaware, Greene, Ulster, and Sullivan counties.


Current forecasts call for rain Sunday afternoon into Monday. Wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour will also be a factor. The rain and wind have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. The Company urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.


NYSEG’s storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty, and have additional resources ready to help restore service should outages occur.

Company Preparations 

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the Company has pre-staged 340 additional line and tree personnel to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews will be prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.
 

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind-related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.


How to Stay Up-to-Date

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on its website and social media channels (Facebook and X). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

The Company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Before a storm strikes:

  • You can use our 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.
  • 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.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.

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:

Shelby Cohen
Shelby.cohen@avangrid.com
607.788.6785

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