19,000 NYSEG Customers Affected Sunday by Winter Storm

Brewster, Geneva, Liberty, and Oneonta areas most heavily impacted by snow and winds
 

Company remains on alert for high winds beginning Sunday evening

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — February 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews addressed widespread outages and continue to assess damages across the state from this weekend’s winter storm. Approximately 19,000 customers were affected on Sunday, with approximately 3,800 active outages. 

The company’s Brewster division, which includes Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties, saw more than 5,700 customers affected by outages. Geneva division, which includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates Counties, has more than 4,400 customers affected. The Oneonta division saw approximately 4,000 customers without power. The Liberty division had approximately 2,500 outages. The Brewster and Oneonta communities are currently dealing with active outages that are affecting less than 2,000 customers each. 

NYSEG crews and support personnel continue to respond and monitor the forecast for this winter storm. Though snowfall rates will decrease throughout much of the state, high winds are expected Sunday evening and will extend through the overnight hours. Hazard gusts of 60 miles per hour are expected on Monday, most notably in the eastern portion of the state, lakeshores, and high elevations. 

The company has mobilized additional crews, including approximately 480 contracted personnel, to expedite the company’s response. Line and tree crews remain active and ready to respond to any snow, ice, or wind related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks, and backhoes. 

NYSEG urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and should be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131 or contacting 911.

NYSEG will provide regular updates to the general public until complete restoration via the company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe during a power outage:


Outage Information

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the companies update the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.
  • Customers can use the NYSEG 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 “NYSEG.” 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.
  • NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 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, use the NYSEG Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or contact NYSEG at 1.800.572.1131.
  • 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. NYSEG customers are asked to call 1.800.572.1131 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, generator safety information, restoration priorities and emergency resources, visit Outage Central at NYSEG.com and on the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co
  • X: @NYSEandG

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Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284  

 

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