NYSEG and RG&E’s Recloser Program Minimizes Outage Impacts in New York
More than 600 new devices installed across NY in 2026 that help keep customers connected by rerouting power and shortening outages
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — October 26, 2026 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) have installed more than 600 recloser devices across the grid in 2026. The devices play a key role in energy reliability by rerouting energy during an outage, helping reduce restoration times from hours to minutes.
“Reclosers are one of the most important tools we have for energy reliability,” said Jason Meidinger, vice president of projects at NYSEG and RG&E. “As storms become more frequent in our service territories, reclosers help make sure the lights stay on for our customers and we are proud to announce that we have installed more than double the number we anticipated at the beginning of the 2026, delivering more reliability and quicker restoration times for our customers.
NYSEG and RG&E have nearly 4,000 remote-operated reclosers spread across more than 55,000 miles of distribution circuits in New York. The Companies identify areas experiencing reliability challenges and install reclosers where they can provide the greatest benefit to customers.
Operators at the Energy Control Center have restored service to more than 100,000 customers this year in less than five minutes using remote restoration capabilities. When an outage occurs, and following a safety check, operators inside the Energy Control Center will use remote control devices to re-route electricity and restore power to other customers who can safely receive power.
Reclosers are one example of NYSEG and RG&E’s ongoing investment in grid infrastructure to support reliable electric service and strengthen storm response capabilities. These devices, along with tripsavers, animal guards, circuit breakers, and other infrastructure, help keep energy flowing for more than 1.3 million electric customers in New York.
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