Mechanicville: NYSEG Crews Making Progress Restoring Power - 5 pm

More than 400 field resources engaged to complete restoration


MECHANICSVILLE, NY — September 8, 2023, 5 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews continue to make progress restoring power following yesterday’s severe thunderstorms. Currently, approximately 8,000 customers are without power in the Mechanicville division, which includes Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington counties. NYSEG continued to add field resources throughout the day to aid in restoration efforts. Currently, more than 400 field service personnel are engaged in restoration activities.

Yesterday’s thunderstorms included severe winds with gusts reaching upwards of 65 mph. This caused extensive damage throughout the region, including 22 broken poles and more than 110 downed wires. One of the hardest hit areas is Columbia County where the storm uprooted trees, snapped poles and knocked down wires. Crews are working throughout the division to clear debris and make critical repairs as safely and quickly as possible. This includes setting poles to replace those damaged in the storm and completing repairs to lines. Crews will continue restoration efforts into the evening and until every customer is restored. 
 


 


The company urges customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment. All downed wires should be assumed as energized and be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 800.572.1131 or contacting 911.


NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to 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 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 priority is 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 

NYSEG is a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. 

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