NYSEG Working to Restore Power to Remaining Lancaster Customers Impacted by Winter Storm Olive

Company releases restoration plan to restore remainder of customers today 

Crews makes additional, significant progress overnight
 

LANCASTER, N.Y. — February 24, 2023, 7:30 AM — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) announced their crews continue to make progress with restoration efforts and expects to restore all remaining impacted customers today. Currently, approximately 5,600 customers in the company’s Lancaster division are without power.  The Lancaster division includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Wyoming Counties

The storm caused damage to the company’s electrical system, causing 188 downed wires in the company’s Lancaster division. As crews work to make repairs, it’s possible that some customers who have already been restored may experience scattered outages that are necessary to complete additional work. For the safety of the crews and customers, NYSEG reminds customers to maintain a safe distance from work zones and do not approach crews.

The company urges customers to remain away from storm debris, as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment, and this may be hidden by snow. All downed wires should be assumed as energized and be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 800.572.1131 or contacting 911. 

Stay Informed

NYSEG will 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 during a power outage.

  • Use the free 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. 
  • 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. 

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.

Flooding Preparation and Safety Tips

  • If flooding of a home or business has already occurred or is about to occur, customers should contact us to have electricity and natural gas service turned off. Call NYSEG at 800.572.1131 to report electricity emergencies; for natural gas emergencies, call 800.572.1121. Customers should never attempt to turn off electric and natural gas service.
  • Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard; natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger.
  • To have service restored once flood waters have receded, customers should contact NYSEG to discuss specific circumstances. A safety inspection by a certified inspector may be necessary before service can be restored. Additionally, the basement must be free of water and the equipment must be clean and free of debris. Customers and contractors should never attempt to turn on electric or gas service.

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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