NYSEG Deploying Restoration Crews Statewide

Torrential rain and flooding creating accessibility challenges

 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — August 9, 2024, 7:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding after Tropical Storm Debby impacted the region Friday with signficant rainfall amounts. While this latest weather event is expected to have the front exiting the state before midnight, winds in the eastern part of the state are expected to increase as it moves northward. The combination of saturated ground and wind increases the possibility of toppling trees.


Approximately 40,000 customers are currently without power across the region with the divisions of Binghamton (which includes the counties of Broome, Chenango, and Tioga), Brewster (which includes the counties of Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester), Liberty (which includes the counties of Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, Ulster), and Oneonta (which includes the counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Ulster) among the hardest hit. The divisions of Elmira (Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung counties), Hornell (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Steuben, and Wyoming counties) and Ithaca (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties) also have significant power outages.


Flash floods, downed power lines, falling trees and tree limbs, and blocked roads all contribute to accessibility challenges in securing the area to begin the restoration efforts. The Company continues to deploy our resources to assess damage and safeguard the immediate area by de-energizing any downed power lines or other infrastructure. Crews are restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so.


The Company had secured and prestaged resources and equipment, mobilized employees for storm duty, and deployed additional line and tree crews to support restoration efforts. The Company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.


The Company urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. All downed wires should be assumed to be “live” or energized and should be reported immediately by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 800.572.1131 or contacting 911.


NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company's social media channels (Facebook and X). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur.

 

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 nyseg.com/Alerts.
  • Customers can use the NYSEG Mobile App to report and check the status of outages. To download the application, 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 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 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 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:

Stacy Bartl
Stacybartl2@rge.com
585.233.4878

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