NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Thanksgiving Holiday Storm

Strong winds and lake effect snow expected to impact the Companies’ service areas 
 

130 additional line crews staged across the state, ready to respond to outages


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — 10:00 a.m. November 26, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for a winter storm that is expected to impact much of their service areas during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Current forecasts predict strong winds and lake effect snow across New York State, beginning Wednesday evening, continuing through Saturday. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. NYSEG and RG&E have more than 1,700 line and tree personnel across the state, including 130 additional line crews secured for this event, ready to respond to outages.

The storm is expected to impact all divisions in the Companies’ service territories, with the most significant anticipated outages in NYSEG’s Lancaster, Lockport, Elmira, Geneva, Auburn, and Hornell divisions and all of RG&E’s divisions. These divisions include Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Yates, Onondaga, Cayuga, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Wyoming Counties. 

Winter storm watches have been issued for some areas across the state, as heavy snow accumulation is expected downwind of Lake Erie. Winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected, with peak wind gusts forecasted to reach upwards of 55 mph in some areas, creating blowing snow and hazardous conditions. The snow and wind have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other equipment. Those traveling for the holiday should leave themselves extra time to reach their destinations and monitor their local forecast to plan travel accordingly.

NYSEG and RG&E’s storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm response, and have added 130 additional line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur.

 

Company Preparations 

Readying Crews

In preparation for the event, the company has additional line and tree personnel 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.

 

Equipment Summary

The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any weather-related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, woodchippers, dump trucks, and backhoes.

 

How to Stay Up to Date

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). 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 companies also offer customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do 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.
     

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:

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

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Media Contact:
Alexis Arnold
alexis.arnold@avangrid.com
585.953.3159