NYSEG Responding After Strong Winds Cause Power Outages - 7:30 am

Crews worked overnight and are continuing restoration efforts today

Binghamton, N.Y. — March 2, 2021, 7:30 a.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) continues to respond to outages caused by strong winds that occurred throughout the state yesterday and overnight. Currently, approximately 2,100 NYSEG customers are without power across the state. The most significantly impacted area remaining is NYSEG’s Mechanicville Division which includes Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties. All customers are expected to have power restored today.

Throughout the state, crews are responding to make safe down wires, working with local municipalities to clear fallen debris from the roads, repairing broken poles and restoring service along the way as safely and quickly as possible. Prior to the storm, the company’s storm response team actively monitored weather forecasts, and prepared crews and equipment.

Additional crews are being deployed this morning in impacted areas to assist with and expedite the restoration process. Recognizing that many customers are currently working and learning from home due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. The company asks customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on their work enables workers to determine damage and make repairs more quickly.

Outage Information

  • 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 here for NYSEG .
  • You can use our new 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 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 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 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
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG

 

 
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