NYSEG, RG&E preparing for storm expected to bring a mix of rain, sleet & snow across state

Storm expected to move in Wednesday night, into Thursday; utilities are shifting resources in anticipation

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for a storm expected to bring a mix of rain, sleet and snow across the state. The storm has the potential to impact all NYSEG and RG&E service areas, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.

A press release explained, “Current forecasts are also calling for freezing rain and ice, and strong isolated wind gusts. The event is expected to move into the area Wednesday night and persist overnight into Thursday. The companies urge customers to monitor local 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 are moving resources and bringing in additional line and tree crews in anticipation.

Company Preparations – How to Stay Up to Date

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the public on their websites and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers can also sign up for email alerts or download the NYSEG or RG&E mobile app to get the most up-to-date information.

Safety Tips

The companies also offer customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

•Before a storm strikes:

√ You can use our new 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.

√ 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 and here for RG&E.

√ Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and nonperishable 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. 

√ 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 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 www.NYSEG.com or www.RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages:

√ Facebook: @NYSEandG

√ Twitter: @NYSEandG

√ Facebook: @RochGandE

√ Twitter: @RGandE