RG&E Responding to Damaging Winds Statewide

Crews are assessing damage while working to restore power 
 

Additional crews supporting this large effort 

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — March 16, 2025 — Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) is responding after wind gusts impacted the region today. Currently, approximately 2,100 customers are without power. Outages are being experienced in all RG&E divisions: Canandaigua, Central, Fillmore, and Sodus. Monroe County is experiencing the greatest impacts. Statewide, NYSEG and RG&E had 79,000 total outages as a result of the storm.

Crews are responding to outages and assessing damage. Initial reports indicate damage from the storm includes downed trees and wires. Crews will continue to work throughout the night and into Monday, until every customer is restored. 

The Company is urging customers to avoid areas with downed trees. RG&E is coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

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

Outage Information:

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the Company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for RG&E. 

  • Customers can use the RG&E 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. 

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
  • Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric
  • X: @RGandE

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Media Contact:
Shelby Cohen
Shelby.cohen@avangrid.com
607.788.6785  
 

 

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