Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

NYSEG working to restore power to remaining customers impacted by Winter Storm Olive

Submitted

Fri, Feb 24th 2023 08:25 am

UPDATE: Some NYSEG customers may see scattered outages as crews continue working to restore power

NYSEG: Those scattered outage interruptions are necessary for line crews to safely complete additional work

√ Tree limbs down on wires contribute to outages in Lancaster division

As New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) crews continue working to restore the remainder of customers without power, some customers may experience scattered outages, or brief interruptions.

A press release stated, “We want to remind our customers that these outages are necessary, so our field crews can safely restore service as efficiently as possible. NYSEG is shifting resources across the region and currently has more than 600 field resources engaged in the restoration efforts.

“The fluctuating temperatures, along with wind, caused tree limbs to fall on wires. As a result, there were 188 downed wires, contributing to outages in our Lancaster division, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Wyoming counties. Currently, there are approximately 2,800 outages. The company expects to restore the remainder of those customers without power today. To determine a restoration time for your location, visit NYSEG.com.

“For the safety of the crews and customers, NYSEG reminds customers to maintain a safe distance from work zones and do not approach crews.”

The company urges customers to remain away from storm debris, as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment and this may be hidden by snow. All downed wires should be assumed as energized and be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 800-572-1131 or contacting 911.

••••••••

Company releases restoration plan to restore remainder of customers today; crews make additional, ‘significant’ progress overnight

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) announced their crews continue to make progress with restoration efforts, and expects to restore all remaining impacted customers today.

Currently, approximately 5,600 customers in the company’s Lancaster division are without power. The Lancaster division includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Wyoming counties

A press release noted, “The storm caused damage to the company’s electrical system, causing 188 downed wires in the company’s Lancaster division. As crews work to make repairs, it’s possible that some customers who have already been restored may experience scattered outages that are necessary to complete additional work. For the safety of the crews and customers, NYSEG reminds customers to maintain a safe distance from work zones and do not approach crews.

“The company urges customers to remain away from storm debris, as it may contain downed wires or other damaged equipment, and this may be hidden by snow. All downed wires should be assumed as energized and be reported by calling NYSEG’s emergency line at 800-572-1131 or contacting 911.”

Stay Informed

NYSEG will continue to provide updates throughout the event to the general public on the company’s website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to stay safe during a power outage.

√ Use its 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. 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 the area. Customers can sign up for outage alerts by visiting here for NYSEG .

Stay Away From Downed Wires

NSEG shared:

√ 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 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 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.

Flooding Preparation and Safety Tips

√ If flooding of a home or business has already occurred or is about to occur, customers should contact NYSEG to have electricity and natural gas service turned off. Call NYSEG at 800-572-1131 to report electricity emergencies; for natural gas emergencies, call 800-572-1121. Customers should never attempt to turn off electric and natural gas service.

√ Stay out of flooded basements. Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard; natural gas service in a flooded basement may also pose a danger.

√ To have service restored once flood waters have receded, customers should contact NYSEG to discuss specific circumstances. A safety inspection by a certified inspector may be necessary before service can be restored. Additionally, the basement must be free of water and the equipment must be clean and free of debris. Customers and contractors should never attempt to turn on electric or gas service.

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 800-572-1131 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” at NYSEG.com and the company's social media pages:

√ Facebook: @NYSEandG

√ Twitter: @NYSEandG

NYSEG is a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. 

Hometown News

View All News