NYSEG and RG&E Preparing for Thunderstorms and High Winds Across the State - 1 pm
Companies have pre-staged more than 250 additional crews across the region
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — May 16, 2022, 1:00 p.m. — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for high winds and rain associated with incoming thunderstorms expected to hit the companies' service areas this afternoon and into the evening. As a result of the storm, customers may experience service disruptions. The storm is expected to impact most of the NYSEG and RG&E footprint, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Southern Tier, Capital Region and Hudson Valley.
Current forecasts call for thunderstorms to begin in Western New York and move east across the state. The storms are expected to bring rain and winds, with gusts that could reach upwards of 65 mph. The strong winds, combined with rain, have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. The storms are expected to move out of the state by 11 p.m. tonight. The companies urge customers to monitor forecasts and prepare for the possibility of service interruptions.
The companies’ storm readiness teams have been monitoring weather forecasts, planning, readying crews and equipment, mobilizing employees for storm duty, and have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur.
RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their respective websites and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for outage alerts and download the RG&E Mobile App to get the most up-to-date information.
Company Preparations
Readying Crews
The companies have pre-staged over 250 additional crews throughout the Binghamton, Brewster, Mechanicville, Oneonta, and Plattsburgh divisions to facilitate an effective and efficient response if outages occur.
Equipment Summary
Line and tree crews are prepared to respond, with company and contractor personnel readying bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.
Safety Tips
The company offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.
Before a Storm Strikes
- Use our 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 “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 rge.com/alerts .
- 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.
- RG&E customers should call 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 RG&E at 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. RG&E customers are asked to call 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 and the companies’ social media pages:
- Facebook: @RochGandE
- Twitter: @RGandE
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About RG&E: Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1848, RG&E operates approximately 8,800 miles of electric distribution lines and 1,100 miles of electric transmission lines. It also operates approximately 10,600 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines and 105 miles of gas transmission pipelines. It serves approximately 378,500 electricity customers and 313,000 natural gas customers in a nine-county region in New York surrounding the City of Rochester. For more information, visit rge.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $40 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.
Media Contact:
julio.saenz@avangrid.com
585.629.7895