RG&E Offers Holiday Safety and Efficiency Tips

ROCHESTER, New York — December 6, 2018 — Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), would like to urge customers to follow some simple electrical safety and energy-saving tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season. 

In addition to testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and planning emergency fire escape routes for your family, people should keep the following tips in mind for safety and energy efficiency: 

  • Dried holiday tree limbs and hot lights can be a dangerous combination, so if you have a live tree, be sure to keep it fresh. Before you put the tree in its stand, cut its base at a 45-degree angle so it can absorb water. Water the tree liberally — the average tree can consume between a quart and a gallon of water each day. Remove the tree promptly after the holiday or when it becomes dry.
  • Consider miniature and/or LED lights which produce less heat, reduce the drying effect on the tree, and use less energy. 
  • All lights and cords should be factory tested; check for the UL label on the packaging. 
  • Carefully inspect light cords, plugs and receptacles for worn or frayed insulation and loose connections. Throw away damaged items.
  • Don’t overload electrical circuits or extension cords; follow the directions on cord labels regarding connecting light strings and extension cords. If a cord feels hot to the touch, it is overloaded and may cause an electrical fire. Additionally, make sure the cords are tucked away safely to prevent a tripping hazard.
  • Keep flammable decorations away from the tree's lights.
  • Ensure that electric window candles do not touch drapes or other flammable objects.
  • Keep wires away from toddlers and pets. Push wires toward the center of the tree, and clip them securely to the branches. 
  • Never use electric lights on metallic trees. Avoid using plastic trees unless they’re flame resistant. 
  • Always turn holiday lights off before going to sleep and when you leave home.
  • Consider using a programmable timer to turn lighting displays on and off automatically.
  • While decorating the outside of your home:
    • Look up and around the area first to identify overhead lines and other hazards 
    • Never raise ladders, poles or other extended objects into or near power lines.
    • Use only outdoor-approved lights that can withstand cold temperatures. 
    • Check to make sure that tree limbs aren’t near power lines. Remember that no power line is safe to touch, ever.
  • In the kitchen, keep close watch on your stovetop, grill and oven while in use, and never use them as a heating source.

RG&E would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $32 billion in assets and operations in 24 states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.1 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, received a Climate Development Project climate score of “A-” (the top score received in the utilities sector), and has been recognized for two consecutive years by Ethical Boardroom as the North American utility with the “best corporate governance practices.” For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

About Avangrid Foundation: The Avangrid Foundation is an independent organization that funds philanthropic investments primarily in areas where AVANGRID and its subsidiaries operate. For more information, please visit the Avangrid Foundation section of www.avangrid.com. 

About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit www.rge.com. 

Media Contact:

Juanita Washington

Juanita.Washington@avangrid.com

585.724.8948

Node: liferay-1:8080