NYSEG Restoration Effort Progressing, Announces Estimated Times of Restoration - 3 p.m.

Company expects 90% restoration statewide tonight as crews converge on the hardest hit areas

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 8, 2020 3:00 p.m. — NYSEG announced today that crews continue to make significant progress across the state, working to restore power to customers that were impacted by yesterday’s severe wind and thunderstorms. As a result of the storms, more than 72,000 customers have been impacted. Currently, approximately 10,000 customers are without power, 9,300 of which are in the companies Mechanicville (4,133 customers) and Oneonta (5,567 customers) divisions. Included in those divisions are Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schoharie and Ulster and Washington counties. The company announced that it expects to restore 90% of all impacted customers statewide by 11:30 p.m. tonight. 

The company has made great progress statewide and particularly in its Auburn division, where restorations are nearing completion. In addition, the company also announced that it expects to restore 85% of impacted customers in the Oneonta division and 90% of impacted customers in the Mechanicville division by 11:30 p.m. tonight. Remaining customers are expected to be restored Friday.
 
The company noted that as restorations were completed throughout the state, crews have continued to converge on the Oneonta and Mechanicville divisions and the company will continue onboard additional resources until restorations are complete. Currently, more than 1,100 field resources are involved in restoration efforts. 

Complicating restorations efforts, particularly in the Oneonta division are the number of damages on the system that require repair and impact only a few customers. In the Oneonta division alone, there are 100 separate damages that impact 10 or less customers. As a result, the necessary cleanup, reconstruction and restoration will be labor-intensive and time consuming. The company is continuing to work with local municipal and emergency response officials to prioritize additional restoration efforts.
 
Recognizing that many residents are currently home due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, for everyone’s safety, the company asks customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on their work enables workers to determine damage and make repairs more quickly. 

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Outage Information: 

• 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 for NYSEG. 
• Customers can use the new NYSEG 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. 

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, 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