RG&E Responding to Widespread Outages

10/16/2017 at 10 a.m.

  • Stay away from downed power lines.
  • Even lines that appear dead can be dangerous.
  • RG&E customers should call 800.743.1701.

RG&E is currently responding to widespread outages following a series of severe storms. The company quickly mobilized local crews and additional resources to the affected areas to respond to the extensive damage. Since the start of this event on Sunday afternoon, nearly 29,000 customers have lost power. As of 10 am, there are approximately 7,000 customers who remain without power. RG&E expects to have power restored to the vast majority of customers affected by the severe storms by tonight. The company continues to shift resources to the affected areas and will do so until power is restored to every customer. RG&E’s top priorities are restoring power as quickly as possible and the safety of our communities, customers, employees and contractors.

Power Restoration Priorities

RG&E’s first priorities are to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. 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.

RG&E offers 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.
  • 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 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 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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