NYSEG and RG&E Responding After High Winds and Rain Knock Out Power - 6:30 am

More Than 70,000 Customers Out Across the State

BINGHAMTON, NY —  November 1, 2019 — 6:30 am EST  — NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., are responding after high winds and rain during the overnight period disrupted service to thousands of customers. At this time more than 69,000 NYSEG and 9,000 RG&E customers are without power, though the companies expect that number may grow as the storm continues and intensifies throughout the early part of today.

The companies had crews working throughout the night and have additional resources in place to assess damage, perform make safe activities and isolate outages – making repairs where possible. The hardest hit NYSEG divisions are Brewster, Elmira and Lancaster, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Dutchess, Putnam, Schuyler, Steuben and Westchester counties.

Current forecasts call for high winds to continue throughout Friday morning and afternoon, with gusts reaching upwards of 60+ mph. Softened soil conditions as a result of the rain, coupled with gusty winds, continue to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

The first step in the restoration process is for crews to make conditions safe for the public and clear any downed wires or trees that pose an immediate threat to public safety. After that, damage assessors will coordinate resources and begin restoration efforts as quickly and safely as possible.

Currently, more than 1,400 field personnel are assisting in restoration efforts, many of them in the western and southeastern parts of the state. The companies are also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities in impacted areas.

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The companies also offer customers the following safety reminders.

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 and 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 NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131 or 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. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131, and 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, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at nyseg.com or rge.com and on the company’s social media pages:

Facebook: @NYSEandG
Twitter: @NYSEandG
Facebook: @RochGandE
Twitter: @RGandE

 

 

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