NYSEG Restoring Power After Yesterday’s Severe Thunderstorms Swept Region
Strong winds exceeding 65 mph caused significant damage across multiple divisions
Crews are assessing damage and restoring power safely and as quickly as possible
Binghamton, NY — July 19, 2026 10 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews are working to restore power after severe thunderstorms swept through the region on Saturday. In total, more than 41,000 NYSEG customers were impacted across the state. Currently, approximately 6,272 customers are without power in the company’s Binghamton division (Broome, Chenango and Tioga counties), 1,234 customers are without power in the company’s Liberty division (Orange, Sullivan, Delaware and Ulster counties), and 5,094 customers are without power in the company’s Oneonta division (Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie and Ulster counties).
These NYSEG service areas were impacted by severe thunderstorms on Saturday, with wind gusts exceeding 65 mph in some locations. The storm caused significant damage across the region, resulting in widespread service interruptions. Initial field reports indicate more than 80 downed wires and 49 broken poles across the region.
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. Additional crews are en route to the hardest-hit areas to support restoration efforts and accelerate service restoration. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.
NYSEG urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and should be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 or contacting 911.
How to Stay Up-to-Date
NYSEG will provide regular updates to the general public until complete restoration via the Company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). Customers should also sign up for NYSEG emails and download the NYSEG mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.
The Company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe during a power outage:
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 here.
- Customers can use the 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 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, use the NYSEG Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131.
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/X: @NYSEandG
• Instagram: @nyseg.co
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About NYSEG: New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. Established in 1852, NYSEG operates approximately 35,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 4,500 miles of electric transmission lines across more than 40% of upstate New York. It also operates more than 8,150 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 20 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers. For more information, visit www.nyseg.com.
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading energy company in the United States working to meet the growing demand for energy for homes and businesses across the nation through service, innovation, and continued investments by expanding grid infrastructure and energy generation projects. Avangrid has offices in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and Oregon, including operations in 25 states with approximately $50 billion in assets, and has two primary lines of business: networks and power. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates seven electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.4 million customers in New York and New England. Through its power generation business, Avangrid operates more than 80 energy generation facilities across the United States, and the company has a capacity of over 11 GW capable of powering over 3.1 million customers. Avangrid employs approximately 8,500 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens – in 2025 for the fifth consecutive year. The company was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2025 for the seventh consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.
Media Contact:
Sarah Warren
585.794.9253