NYSEG Preparing for Approaching Nor’easter

Company has pre-staged an additional 1,330 line workers and 840 tree personnel across the state to respond in the event of service disruptions

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — April 2, 2024, 4 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is preparing for the approaching nor’easter which is expected to bring damaging winds, freezing rain, and wet snow to the region this week. As a result of the storms, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm has the potential to impact the company’s Binghamton, Brewster, Liberty, Mechanicville, Oneonta, and Plattsburgh divisions.

Current forecasts call for snow and a wintry mix to begin in eastern New York on Wednesday and continue into the overnight. Wind gusts are expected to reach upwards of 50 mph in locations and snow accumulation may reach up to a foot in higher elevations. Due to the expected temperatures, the snow is anticipated to be heavy and wet, which can substantially weigh down power lines and tree branches, causing service interruptions. The company urges customers to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of power outages.

The company’s storm readiness team has been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty and have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur.

Company Preparations

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, NYSEG has pre-staged internal line crews as well as an additional 1,330 line workers and 840 tree personnel across the state to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any wind, rain, or snow related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, woodchippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date

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

Safety Tips

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

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail as the company 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 new 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.
  • 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 priority is 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 (Formerly Twitter): @NYSEandG

NYSEG is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc.

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Media Contact:

Sarah Warren
sarah.warren@avangrid.com
585.794.9253

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