9,000 RG&E Customers Affected Sunday by Winter Storm

Approximately 7,600 Customers Affected in Monroe and Orleans Counties; More than 1,000 in Canandaigua
Company remains on alert for high winds beginning Sunday evening

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — February 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) crews addressed a number of outages and continue to assess damages across the region from this weekend’s winter storm. Approximately 9,000 customers were affected on Sunday. Approximately 7,600 customers were affected by outages in Monroe and Orleans Counties. The Canandaigua division, which includes Cayuga and Ontario Counties, saw approximately 1,000 customers lose power. 

Company crews and support personnel continue to monitor the forecast for this winter storm. Though snowfall rates will decrease, high winds are expected Sunday evening and will extend through the overnight hours. Hazard gusts of 55 miles per hour are expected through most of Monday.  

The company has mobilized additional crews, including approximately 480 contracted personnel, to expedite the company’s response. Line and tree crews remain active and ready to respond to any snow, ice, or wind related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks, and backhoes. 

RG&E 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 1.800.743.1701 or contacting 911.

RG&E will provide regular updates throughout the event to the general public on the company's social media channels (Facebook and X). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur

Safety Tips

The Company also offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

  • You can use our new 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 “RG&E”. 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 here.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.

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.
  • RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701 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 RG&E at 1.800.743.1701.
  • 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 companies’ first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. RG&E customers are asked to call at 1.800.743.1701 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, tornado preparedness, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at rge.com and on the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @RochGandE
  • X: @RGandE
  • Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric

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Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284  

 

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