Oneonta: NYSEG Restoration Effort Progressing - 12 noon

Crews spread throughout region making critical repairs as safely and quickly as possible

BINGHAMTON, New York — December 26, 2020, 12:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews are continuing restoration efforts in the wake of Friday’s strong winds and rain. Currently, approximately 892 customers are without power in the company’s Oneonta Division which includes Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Greene, Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Ulster counties. The company expects to restore 95 percent of affected customers in the Oneonta division by 11:00 p.m. today.

Earlier today, crews were assigned to repair damage to every known remaining outage from the storm event. Complicating the restoration effort is that the damage is widespread throughout the division; however, the additional resources acquired to support this effort will help continue the company’s progress today. Today’s remaining outages represent the most challenging areas for the field crews to access and repair and impact 10 or less customers. As a result, the necessary cleanup, reconstruction and restoration will be labor-intensive and time consuming. The company will continue work until every customer is restored.

As work progresses, estimated times of restoration (ETR) will continue to be refined and updated on the company’s website and mobile app. NYSEG expects to restore all customers by the end of the day expect those who are in locations inaccessible due to flooding conditions or have damaged electrical equipment in need of repair. The company appreciates the patience of customers and understands the challenges service disruptions may cause.

After Restoration

NYSEG encourages any customer without power after restoration is complete to contact the company at 800.572.1131 to report the issue and allow crews to investigate. Once every customer is restored, the company will continue to fix remaining damage that occurred but did not affect customers or the reliability of service. That will then be followed by a full system sweep of all affected circuits to look for damage or issues that may have been missed but that could cause service disruptions in the future. The system will then be returned to normal conditions.

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 .
  • 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 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 and the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG
 

 

Media Contacts:

  • Sarah Warren
    sarah.warren@avangrid.com
    585.794.9253
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