NYSEG, RG&E prepare for next winter challenge

Company encourages customers to monitor forecasts and stay safe

By NYSEG and RG&E

NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, are closely monitoring weather forecasts in advance of strong winds due to sweep across the state later tonight through tomorrow. The companies encourage customers to stay tuned to local media for current weather and travel conditions, and plan ahead for any potential weather impacts.

NYSEG and RG&E storm readiness teams are preparing crews and equipment, and the companies are staging additional resources to ensure readiness to respond to any downed power lines and power interruptions that may occur due to sustained winds or snowfall throughout the event. The companies are contacting customers who have provided their email addresses to the company, and alerting customers who rely on life-sustaining electrically powered equipment. The companies will provide updates to the general public on respective web and social media sites.

The companies are also asking customers to be aware of any weakened trees caused by previous freezing rain, icing, high winds or saturated soil conditions. Weakened tree limbs and branches have the potential to fall onto power lines and can cause downed wires and power outages. Additional storm safety and preparedness tips are available at www.nyseg.com or www.rge.com (click on “Outage Central” and then on “Storm Safety”).

NYSEG and RG&E encourage customers to sign up for “Outage Alerts” to receive updates throughout the day automatically by phone, text or email, as the company updates the status of restoration efforts in the area. This information is also available online at NYSEG: https://bit.ly/2MSAlr6 or RG&E: https://bit.ly/2AW7ai7

Power Restoration Priorities

NYSEG’s and RG&E’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. RG&E customers are asked to call 1-800-743-1701). 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 safely and as quickly as possible.

How They Go About Restoring Power Following Major Storms

They first repair the backbone of the electricity system – transmission lines and substations – that bring electricity to the local distribution system that serves customers. They then make any necessary repairs to the distribution system that includes the poles and power lines along streets and roads, focusing first on those circuits where they can restore power to the largest number of customers. As part of this process, they take into account the needs of hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police stations, as well as any other critical infrastructure.

Customers are reminded:

• Stay away from downed power lines
• Even lines that appear dead can be dangerous
• NYSEG customers should call 1-800-572-1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations
• RG&E customers should call 1-800-743-1701 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations