NYSEG Responding as Winter Storm Elliott Disrupts Service to Lancaster Division

Company is responding to and restoring any outages as quickly as possible

To report outages or downed power lines customers are urged to call NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131
 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — December 23, 2022, 12 noon — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding after wind gusts associated with Winter Storm Elliott impacted the region this morning. Currently, approximately 16,961 customers in the company’s Lancaster division are without power. The Lancaster division includes areas of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie counties. NYSEG expects this may be a multiple day event and will provide restoration times once the extent of the damage is more thoroughly assessed.

Crews are responding to outages and assessing damage. Initial reports indicate damage from the storm includes downed trees and transmission lines, which has caused additional damage and has delayed travel for crews. As the storm makes its way through the area, trees continue to come down making some areas inaccessible. 

The company is urging customers to limit travel unless necessary and avoid areas with downed trees. The company’s storm response team is fully engaged and crews will continue to work throughout the day and overnight until every customer is restored. The company is coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). 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 their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting nyseg.com/alerts.
  • Customer can use our free 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.Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.

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 our 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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Media Contact:

Shelby Cohen 
shelby.cohen@avangrid.com
607-788-6785

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