NYSEG and RG&E Prepared for Winter Weather this Weekend

Snow, cold temperatures forecasted from Winter Storm Fern 

Major outages are not expected for Companies’ service areas at this time 

 

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — January 22, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are monitoring the forecasts of the approaching winter weather system this weekend that is expected to bring frigid temperatures and snow to the Northeast.  

 

Winter Storm Fern is not forecasted to cause widespread outages within the Companies’ service areas, but NYSEG and RG&E will be staffed around the clock this weekend and are positioning crews strategically for the snow expected Sunday into Monday.  

 

NYSEG and RG&E are ready to respond and restore service as safely and quickly as possible should outages occur. 

 

Company Preparations 

 

Readying Crews 

In preparation for the event, the Companies have pre-staged field crews strategically across the state to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur. 

   

How to Stay Up-to-Date  

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event on their websites and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X). Customers should also sign up for email alerts and download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.  

  

Safety Tips 

The Company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages occur. 

 

Before a storm strikes: 

  • You can use our mobile apps 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. 
  • Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or email as the Companies update 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. 
  • 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 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 company will: 

  • Assess the damage to the electricity delivery system. 
  • Develop a detailed restoration plan. 
  • Make repairs as quickly as possible. 

 

Energy Saving Tips:

 

These low-cost and no-cost tips can help make your home more energy efficient. 

  • Set thermostats at 65 to 70° during the winter and at 58° when away from home. Keep the thermostat higher if an infant, ill, or elderly person lives in your home. 
  • Insulate ducts and pipes that run through unheated areas. 
  • Replace or clean furnace and air conditioner filters when they get dirty or once every month. 
  • Warm air rises, so use registers to direct warm air flow across the floor. 
  • Lower your thermostat at night either manually or automatically with a setback thermostat. 
  • Weather-strip windows near your thermostat and keep them tightly closed. A cold draft across the thermostat will turn your heating system on unnecessarily. 
  • Keep heating supply and return registers and radiators clean and unobstructed by furniture and draperies. 
  • Close the fireplace damper when not in use. 
  • To keep air from leaking under a door, roll up a small rug and place it across the bottom of the doorway. 
  • Open draperies on south-facing windows during the day to let in free heat from the sun and close them at night or on cloudy days to keep the heat in. 

 

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 company’s social media pages: 

 

NYSEG:

 

RG&E:

 

Media Contact: 
Shelby Cohen 
shelby.cohen@avangrid.com 
607-788-6785