NYSEG Restoration Efforts Making Progress - 5 pm

Expects All Customers Impacted by Initial Storm to be Restored Tonight

BINGHAMTON, New York — December 3, 2019, 5:00 p.m. EST — NYSEG a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., announced that significant progress was made to restore power after heavy wet snow and wintry conditions disrupted service to thousands of customers. The company announced that it expects to fully restore all customers that were impacted by the initial weather event by 10 p.m. this evening, with the exception of the Liberty division (Delaware, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties) which is scheduled for 11 p.m. Crews will continue efforts until all customers are restored.

As a result of the storm, more than 55,000 NYSEG customers have been impacted. Currently, approximately 1,200 customers are without power. Customers should be aware that the company may take some shorter arranged outages to safely make repairs to damaged sections of equipment, a normal process as utilities restore customers.

Much of the damage experienced during this recent winter storm is a result of the heavy wet snow that brought down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. As a result of the damage in some of the more remote areas, repairs required specialized equipment.

The company’s storm team has been engaged throughout the event, planning and dispatching crews and equipment to necessary areas. Hundreds of field resources remain fully engaged in the company’s storm response effort, with additional mutual aid resources reinforcing ongoing efforts. The company also continues to coordinate efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

NYSEG will continue to provide updates to the general public on its website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following safety reminders.

Before a storm strikes

  • 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.
  • 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 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

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