NYSEG and RG&E Continue to Restore Power to Customers Affected by Strong Winds

More than 61,000 customers affected Monday across New York
Western New York communities most impacted by wind-related outages 

 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — March 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) continue to respond to outages following high winds that swept through the region beginning Sunday evening and throughout the day Monday.  More than 69,000 NYSEG and RG&E customers were affected on Monday. Currently, approximately 6,701 customers across New York remain without power. NYSEG’s Lancaster Division, which includes Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties, saw more than 25,000 outages on Monday.     

 

In addition to high winds, the Companies are preparing for thunderstorms on Monday afternoon with damaging storm guests and small hail possible. A transition to snow is possible beginning Monday evening and continuing into Tuesday. NYSEG and RG&E expect sustained winds of 45 miles per hour across several areas of the state on Tuesday, with the potential of stronger wind gusts along the lakes. 

 

To support restoration efforts, the Companies are working with more than 500 contracted crews. 
 

NYSEG and RG&E urge customers to remain away from storm debris as it may contain downed wires or other hazardous equipment. Customers should assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous and should be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 1.800.572.1131, RG&E’s emergency line at 1.800.743.1701, or contacting 911. 

 

NYSEG will continue to provide regular updates to the general public until complete restoration via the company’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe during a power outage:

 

Outage Information:

  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text or e-mail as the Companies updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG and here for RG&E.
  • Customers can use the NYSEG or RG&E 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” or “RG&E.” 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 and RG&E customers should call 1.800.743.1701 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 or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701.
  • 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 and RG&E customers are asked to call at 1.800.743.1701 to report downed wires. Once this vital public safety work is complete, the Companies 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 or RGE.com and on the Companies’ social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • X: @NYSEandG
  • Instagram: @nyseg.co
  • Facebook: @RochGandE
  • X: @RGandE
  • Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric


Media Contact:
Michael Baggerman
mbaggerman@nyseg.com
716.368.1284