1:30PM - NYSEG Prepared for Holiday Storm

Restoration under way for early outages in Binghamton, Liberty, and Oneonta

Crews being added for storm expected to last all holiday weekend

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — 1:30 p.m. November 28, 2024 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is prepared for snow, rain, and wind associated with the winter storm that is moving across New York state today and will continue this weekend. As a result of the current forecast, the Company has added 60 additional line crews to assist with restoration efforts. The storm has the potential to impact all of NYSEG’s service areas, but particularly the Lancaster division, which includes parts of Cattaraugus, Chautauqau, Erie, and Wyoming counties; and the Lockport division, which includes portions of Niagara and Orleans counties. Today’s snow is also impacting the Company’s Oneonta division, which includes parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madision, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Ulster counties; the Libery division, which includes portions of Orange, Sullivan, Delaware, and Ulster counties; and the Binghamton division, which includes parts of Broome, Chenango and Tioga counties.

Current forecasts call for today’s wet and heavy snow to taper off this afternoon into this evening. Lake effect snow will follow overnight into tomorrow, continuing through the weekend. The snow has the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. The Company urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.

NYSEG’s storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty, and have additional resources ready to help restore service should outages occur.

Company Preparations 

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the Company has added 60 additional line crews to assist with restoration efforts. Company and contractor crews are prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews are prepared to respond to any snow-related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.

How to Stay Up-to-Date 

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on its website and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information. 

Safety Tips

The Company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages occur.

Before a storm strikes:

  • You can use our 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.
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting nyseg.com/MyAccount.
  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car’s fuel tank.

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, 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 Company’s 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
  • X: @NYSEandG
  • Instagram:  @nyseg.co

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

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