NYSEG Releases Estimated Restoration Time for Wind Event - 5:00 pm

Binghamton, N.Y. — January 12, 2020, 5:00 p.m. EST — NYSEG, an AVANGRID company, has released an estimated time of restoration for customers impacted by today’s wind event. Currently out of the 69,000 customers impacted by the event, more than 5,400 are without power across the company’s service territory. Roughly 5,000 of those remaining are in the Lancaster division (Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties). The company announced that it expects to restore all customers impacted in the affected areas by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow. While the company has completed restoration to more than 63,000 customers, roughly 3,000 customers primarily located in the Erie County towns of Lancaster and Cheektowaga will not be restored until tomorrow due to the extent of the damage in those areas. Company crews have continued work to assess damage, perform make safe activities and make repairs. Crews will continue working throughout the night until every customer is restored.

Currently, more than 350 field resources are engaged in response efforts in the western part of the state, with additional resources arriving this evening. The company is actively coordinating operations with state and local emergency management officials.

The company urges customers to continue to use caution when traveling throughout impacted areas. NYSEG’s storm readiness teams have been actively engaged, mobilizing additional field resources and equipment for response efforts. Crews will work until every customer is restored.

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also reminds customers of the following safety tips to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Before a storm strikes:

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here .
  • 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 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: @NYSEandG

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