NYSEG and RG&E Prepared for Potential Thunderstorms

May 1, 2017 at 2:21 p.m.

  • Stay away from downed power lines
  • Even lines that appear dead can be dangerous
  • NYSEG customers should call 800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous     situations
  • RG&E customers should call 800.743.1701.

Company Encourages Customers to Monitor Weather Forecasts and Stay Safe


ROCHESTER, NY — May 1, 2017 — NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID (NYSE: AGR), are closely monitoring weather forecasts for potential strong to severe thunderstorms and high winds in many parts of the state this afternoon and evening.

NYSEG’s and RG&E’s storm readiness teams began preparations on Sunday to ensure that adequate resources, including company personnel and contract line workers and tree crews, are available to respond to any reports of downed power lines or power outages from the storms. The companies’ crews are prepared, packed and ready to travel to other areas if needed, offices are prepared to open and extra dispatchers are prepared.

The companies encourage customers in flood-prone areas to consider how their electricity and natural gas services could be affected by high water. By taking appropriate actions, customers affected by flooding can ensure their safety and lessen potential property damage.

Flooding Preparation and Safety Tips

  • If flooding of a home or business has already occurred or is about to occur, customers should contact their utility companies to have electricity and natural gas service turned off.
  • Customers should never attempt to turn off electricity 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 NYSEG or RG&E electricity service restored once flood waters have receded: Customers should contact an electrician to make sure that it is safe to have electricity service turned on before contacting their utility.
  • If the main fuse box or circuit breaker box has been under water, it must be inspected by a Certified Electrical Inspector before service can be restored.
  • Someone must be present for service to be turned on, the basement must be free of water and the electrical panel must be clean and free of debris.
  • Customers and contractors should never attempt to turn on electricity service.

NYSEG and RG&E encourage customers to sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates throughout the day automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area.  This information is also available online at NYSEG Outage informaton  or  List of Electricity Outages

Power Restoration Priorities

NYSEG’s and RG&E’s first priorities are 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. RG&E customers are asked to call 800.743.1701). 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.

NYSEG and RG&E offer the following reminders:

Stay Away From Downed Wires

  • Stay at least 20 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
  • RG&E customers should call 800.743.1701).

Safety Before a Storm

  • If you leave your home during the outage, double-check to make sure all heat-producing appliances, such as stoves, clothes dryers, irons, curling irons, televisions, DVD players, and computers are unplugged. This will minimize the danger of fire if power is restored while you are away.

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 or RG&E at 800.743.1701).
  • Don’t use a natural gas or propane range to heat your home.
  • Never use outdoor grills or stoves inside.
  • 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.

Safety After a Storm

  • Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets, a furnace or any electrically operated appliance that is energized. The water or moisture may conduct electricity. Contact may cause serious or fatal injury.
  • You may have a lot of tree debris in your yard following a storm. Wait until power line repairs are complete before you begin your storm cleanup.
  • Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
  • Replenish emergency supplies used during the storm.
  • Additional storm safety information is available at nyseg.com or rge.com (click on “Outage Central” and then on “Storm Safety”).
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