NYSEG Responding as Damaging Winds Persist

Company engaging the more than 2,100 additional line workers and tree personnel who were pre-staged ahead of the storm to support restoration efforts


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — April 3, 2024, 8:15 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding after severe weather impacted portions of its service area today. In total, approximately 58,000 customers were impacted across the state. Currently, approximately 1,442 customers remain without power in the company’s Brewster division (Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties), 4,199 customers in its Ithaca division (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties), 8,767 customers in its Liberty division (Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, and Ulster counties), 3,374 customers in its Mechanicville division (Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties), and 2,796 customers in its Oneonta division (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Ulster counties). NYSEG pre-staged more than 2,100 additional line workers and tree personnel across its service areas in preparation for the storm and are currently shifting resources to support its hardest hit areas.

 

These NYSEG service areas were impacted Wednesday afternoon by severe winds that reached upwards of 55 mph. Initial reports from the field indicate there are approximately 180 downed wires and more than 30 broken poles across the region. Strong wind gusts are expected to continue through the evening along with a wintry mix, continuing the potential for further damage. Due to the expected temperatures, snow is anticipated to be heavy and wet, which can substantially weigh down power lines and tree branches, causing service interruptions. 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.  

 

NYSEG urges customers to avoid storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. All downed wires should be assumed to be “live” or energized and should be reported immediatley by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 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 its area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting nyseg.com/Alerts.

  • Customers can use the NYSEG Mobile App to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, 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 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, use the NYSEG Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or contact NYSEG at 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 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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