NYSEG Responding as Winter Storm Disrupts Service to Oneonta & Mechanicville Divisions

Crews working to restore customer’s power following heavy snowfall and ice


ONEONTA, N.Y. — March 24, 2024, 9:21 a.m. —  New York State Electric & Gas is responding after heavy snow, ice and rains impacted portions of its service area on Friday and Saturday. Customers in the Company’s Oneonta Division, which includes Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madision, Noeida, Schoharie, and Ulster counties, and the Mechanicville Division, which includes Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington counties were the most heavily impacted with widespread service disruptions. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 customers without power in each division.

 

NYSEG has lineworkers in the area fully engaged in restoration efforts. Our storm response teams are working to assess the damage, make any downed wires safe, clear fallen tree debris from the roads, and restore power. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities. The companyexpects all customers will have their power restored by midnight tonight. 

 

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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