NYSEG Responding to Outages as High Winds and Heavy Rain Continue - 5 pm

Company responding as wind and heavy rain disrupts service to thousands

BINGHAMTON, New York — August 4, 2020, 5:00 p.m. — NYSEG, a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc., is responding as strong winds and heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Isaias continue to impact the region. Currently, more than 91,000 customers are without power. The hardest hit areas include the company’s Brewster (76,043 outages), Liberty (7,110 outages) and Mechanicville (5,902 outages) divisions, which include Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester counties. Due to the severity of damage associated with this storm, crews are currently working to assess the damage, make safe downed wires and clear fallen tree debris from the roads. The company is creating and implementing the required restoration plan to get customers back on as safely and as quickly as possible. Given the degree of damage, some customers should plan to be without power for a significant length of time. 

Softened soil conditions as a result of the heavy rain, coupled with severe winds, have caused fallen trees and limbs, resulting in damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment.

The company is urging customers to limit travel unless necessary. The company’s storm response team is fully engaged, and crews will continue to work throughout the overnight period and until every customer is restored. Currently, more than 1,100 field personnel are responding to the event. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

Recognizing that many residents are currently home due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, for everyone’s safety, 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.

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

Outage Information:

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail 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.
  • 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.

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 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
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG

Learn about the Iberdrola Group’s global pandemic response at its COVID-19 Hub.

 

 

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