NYSEG crews responding as strong winds impact Western New York

Crews are assessing damage and repairing when safe conditions allow

New York State Electric & Gas Press Release

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) is responding as strong winds impacted portions of its service area Tuesday. Currently, more than 25,000 customers are without power in the company’s Lancaster division, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Wyoming counties.

Wind gusts in this region have reached 50 to 60 mph. NYSEG storm response teams are fully engaged, including lineworkers and tree personnel who were pre-staged in the region ahead of the storm. Crews are working to assess the damage, make safe downed wires, clear fallen tree debris from the roads, and restore power – when it is safe and possible to do so. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

NYSEG also reminds customers to take measures to stay safe as the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other hazards can increase during frigid weather. 

√ Home Generators: Any generator that plugs into a home’s electrical system must be installed by a certified electrician. Always follow the generator safety guidelines, such as those listed in this publication, when operating a generator.

√ Appliances: Never use a stove or oven to stay warm. Only space heaters intended for indoor use should be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

√ Plumbing: Water pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures may freeze and burst. Don’t ignore drips or odd noises from your heating system. Wrap exposed pipes in the basement with pipe insulation to help them retain heat and avoid freezing.

√ Vents and Meters: Customers should keep exhaust vents, gas meters and regulators clear of snow and ice as they clean up after winter storms. Snow, ice and other debris can block exhaust vents for furnaces, water heaters and similar appliances, potentially causing toxic fumes and poisonous carbon monoxide to build up indoors.

NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company's social media channels (Facebook and X). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe if power outages do occur.

Outage information:

√ Sign up for outage alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text or email as the company updates the status of the restoration process in their area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG.

√ Customer can use the NYSEG 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.” 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 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.

√ 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 company’s 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 to report downed wires. Once 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 and on the company’s social media pages:

√ Facebook: @NYSEandG

√ X: @NYSEandG