NYSEG and RG&E Restoring Power Following Severe Thunderstorms

May 2, 2017 at 10 a.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.

ROCHESTER, NY — May 2, 2017, 10 a.m. — NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID (NYSE:AGR), are working to restore power to more than 30,000 customers affected by the storm. Crews and contractors worked throughout the night to make safe, and conduct proper damage assessments while restoring power when possible. The companies are moving additional resources to the hardest hit areas including Binghamton, Elmira, Hornell, Lancaster, Oneonta, Plattsburgh and Auburn. There are currently more than 1,000 personnel including line workers, contractors, and tree contactors working on damage assessments and power restoration efforts. Crews are working to cut power to any downed lines as the first priority for public safety. They will then remove trees and repair damaged lines and equipment as they work to restore power to customers.

Crews and contractors must first identify the damage and equipment in need of repair to provide the most accurate estimated restoration time. The damage assessment process is expected to be complete later today. Information about restoration times will then be provided on www.nyseg.com or www.rge.com.

NYSEG and RG&E also encourage customers to sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates throughout the day automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the companies updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up by visiting the NYSEG website at NYSEG Outage alert or at the RG&E website at Outage Alerts .

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.

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”).
Node: liferay-1:8080