RG&E Continues Restoration Efforts Following Wind Storm

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

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – March 13, 2017 – RG&E, a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), continues power restoration to the remaining customers following last week’s wind storm. So far, more than 120,000 customers have been restored out of the 126,000 who were without power. 

RG&E remains focused on restoring power to all customers affected by the wind storms. There are currently nearly 2,000 field personnel who are committed to the restoration efforts of these remaining customers.

Yesterday we were able to make repairs to equipment serving larger groups of customers. As we completed the larger restoration projects, today we began work on the outages serving smaller groups of customers, so the reduction in total outages is slower than before. Most of today’s work, and the remaining work to reconnect all customers, is replacing poles, including many in backlots that are difficult to access. As we continue working tonight and tomorrow we are monitoring the forecast and preparing our crews for difficult travel and working conditions that may come with the heavy snow. We remain committed to restoring power to the remaining customers as safely and as quickly as possible.

The following areas are distribution sites for dry ice and water. Supplies are distributed on a first come, first served basis, until they run out. 

 

 

 County           Town  Location  Times
 Monroe  Greece  Greece Highway Department Building, 647 Long Pond Road  Open 24/7
 Monroe  Irondequoit  Ridge/Culver Fire Department, 2960 Culver Road  Open 24/7
 Monroe  Henrietta

 West Brighton Fire Dept/Rochester Fire Dept - Engine 8
 2695 West Henrietta Road

  Monday, March 13 from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
 Monroe  Brighton  The Brighton Fire Dept #1
 3100 East Ave (corner of East Ave & Rt 441)		  Monday, March 13 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

 

 

 

Power Restoration Priorities

Our first priority is responding to known incidents of downed power lines to make the situations safe. 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.       

 

How We Go About Restoring Power Following Major Storms

We first repair the backbone of the electricity system – transmission lines and substations – that bring electricity to the local distribution system that serves our customers. We then make any necessary repairs to the distribution systems, including the poles and power lines along streets and roads, focusing first on those circuits where we can restore power to the largest number of customers. As part of this process, we take into account the needs of hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police stations, as well as any other critical needs. This is a time-proven process that ensures we safely restore service as quickly and efficiently as possible.

 

Customers should remember these tips:
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 800.743.1701. Our telephone system let callers report the problem, help our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provide customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer or mobile device during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at rge.com.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio for weather and power restoration updates.
  • Turn off major appliances (electric water heaters, refrigerators and freezers) and sensitive electronic equipment (TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, audio equipment) to prevent overloading and possible damage when power is restored. Turning off this equipment may mean unplugging it, turning off a circuit breaker or removing a fuse for the circuit that provides power to this equipment. Leave one light switch “on” to know when power has been restored.
  • 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.

After Power Is Restored

  • If a basement or home was flooded, customers should have an electrician check the home and have a plumbing and heating contractor check natural gas appliances before contacting your utility to have services turned on.
  • 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 rge.com (click on “Outage Central” and then on “Storm Safety”).

 

Media Contacts:
Juanita Washington
juanita.washington@avangrid.com
585.724.8948

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