NYSEG and RG&E Respond to Outages Caused by Winds and Heavy Rain

More than 115,000 customers affected by Thursday thunderstorms and continuing wind event  


BINGHAMTON N.Y. — June 18, 2026, 4:15 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) crews are responding to scattered service interruptions caused by strong thunderstorms and winds that moved through portions of New York State today.

Approximately 115,000 customers have been affected by the storm, with outages occurring primarily across portions of western New York, particularly in Central (Monroe and Orleans counties), Ithaca (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tomkins counties) and Lancaster (Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie counties). where the greatest impacts have been. 

To support restoration efforts, more than 600 line and tree crews have been mobilized across the Companies’ service territories.. These crews are working to restore service to impacted customers as quickly as possible. They continue to assess damage, make conditions safe across affected areas, and transition into restoration activities. 

Current forecasts indicate the potential for additional showers and thunderstorms through this evening, with additional storms, isolated wind gusts and heavy rainfall possible in some areas tomorrow. NYSEG and RG&E continue to monitor weather conditions closely and to strategically position crews and resources throughout their service areas to respond safely and restore service as quickly as possible should additional outages occur. 

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 and RG&E will continue to provide updates to customers and the general public through the Companies’ social media channels  (Facebook, Instagram, and X).

The Companies also offer 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 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.
  • 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
•    Twitter/X: @NYSEandG
•    Instagram: @nyseg.co
•    Facebook: @RochGandE
•    Twitter/X: @RGandE
•    Instagram: @rochestergasandelectric

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Media Contact:
Adam Gaber
adamgaber@avangrid.com
917.224.6176