2:45PM - NYSEG Reveals Steady Workplan as Crews Work to Restore Power Across the Region, Amid Another Round Storms

Majority of customers to be restored by this evening; others restored over next few days due to severity of damage

Storm damage caused downed trees and limbs, taking down hundreds of wires and dozens of poles

Utility is shifting resources to help in restoration efforts

 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — July 16, 2024, 2:45 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) announced its workplan this afternoon as crews continue working to restore power across the region following Monday’s powerful thunderstorms. As that work continues, crews are still assessing damage. The storm brought heavy rain, hail, and damaging winds with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph in some areas, causing significant damage to areas. The storm brought down trees and branches. Dozens of poles were snapped, and hundreds of wires are down and in need of repair.

Currently, approximately 20,200 customers in the Elmira division are without power, which includes Steuben, Schuyler and Chemung counties. In the Company’s Ithaca division, currently, approximately 5,900 customers are without power, which includes Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties. The Elmira division has 112-line workers in the area, with more on the way, in addition to 10 tree crew personnel to help with restoration efforts. The Ithaca division has 86 lineworkers, with more crews en route, in addition to 10 tree crew personnel to assist with restoration efforts.

NYSEG expects to have the majority of customers restored by this evening, while others in rural areas can expect to be restored over the next few days due to the severity of damage. The Company has crews staged throughout its service areas working to restore power, ahead of another round of storms expected to impact some areas during the afternoon and evening hours both today and Wednesday. 

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 800.572.1131 or contacting 911. 

NYSEG will maintain providing regular updates to the general public until complete restoration via the company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter). 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 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 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,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
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co
  • X: @NYSEandG 

NYSEG is a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc.

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Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159

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