Delaying Grid Investments Increases the Risk of Higher Costs Over Time
Postponing investments could have long-term reliability and cost impacts for customers
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — April 30, 2026 — Customers across Upstate New York could face longer power outages, higher long‑term costs, and greater safety risks if critical electric and gas infrastructure upgrades are delayed, according to New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E). These concerns come as much of the region’s energy system continues to operate beyond its original life expectancy amid increasingly severe weather.
In recent years, Upstate New York’s electric system has faced increasing strain from more frequent and severe storms. Winter storms, high‑wind events, and intense summer thunderstorms have caused outages across NYSEG and RG&E service areas, with wind gusts topping 70 miles per hour causing extensive tree and pole damage. During Winter Storm Ezra in late-December of 2025, more than 114,000 customers lost power due to high winds, lake effect snow, and ice accumulations, leading to snapped poles, downed lines, and lengthy restoration efforts. A strong windstorm in March of this year impacted more than 149,000 customers as crews worked to restore service throughout many parts of New York.
“Reliability is mandatory,” said Patricia Nilsen, CEO of NYSEG and RG&E. “Much of our infrastructure is aging. We have thousands of miles of wire, older substations running at capacity, and utility poles that are more than 40 years old. When equipment fails, it can result in long outages for our customers. That’s why we need to make upgrades to the grid and are seeking approval of our ‘Powering New York’ rate proposal.”
Since 2023, NYSEG and RG&E have invested more than $1.5 billion to improve reliability and strengthen electric and gas infrastructure across Upstate New York. To build on these efforts, the companies have submitted the “Powering New York” rate case plan, which prioritizes reliability improvements, modernization of aging infrastructure, expansion of smart‑grid technology, and preparation of the energy system to support the transition to cleaner energy for customers.
The NY Public Service Commission is expected to decide on the plan this summer.
NYSEG and RG&E explain that delaying investments in the electric and gas system would have real consequences for customers, including longer outages, higher long‑term costs, and increased safety risks. By addressing infrastructure needs now, the companies are working to reduce service interruptions, particularly as storms become more frequent and severe, while avoiding the higher costs and extended outages that can result from equipment failures and emergency repairs. Deferring upgrades, the companies say, would only make necessary improvements more expensive over time.
The companies also emphasized that affordability remains a critical priority.
“Affordability is best addressed through a forward‑looking approach,” Nilsen continued. “By acting now, we can protect reliability today while helping customers avoid higher costs in the future as extreme weather and energy demands continue to grow. Our plan is designed to balance these priorities and support a safe and resilient energy system.”
Media Contact
Michael Baggerman