NYSEG, RG&E prep for winter storm

Company has prestaged additional crews & equipment across state ahead of forecasted wind, ice, snow

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are preparing for a mix of freezing rain, snow, and wind associated with the winter storm that is expected to move across New York state on Friday afternoon.

As a result of the forecast, the companies have prestaged 200 additional line and tree crews across the state to assist with restoration efforts, if needed. The storm has the potential to impact all of NYSEG and RG&E’s service areas, which includes Western New York, Rochester, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Westchester regions.

Current forecasts call for wind gusts potentially reaching 50 mph and icing, to begin Friday afternoon in Western New York and then move east across the state. The ice, wind and snow have the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. 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 have additional contract tree and line crews ready to help restore service should outages occur.

Company Preparations

•Readying crews: In preparation for the event, the company has prestaged additional line and tree personnel across the state to assist with restoration efforts if needed. Company and contractor crews will be onsite and prepared to facilitate an effective and efficient response should outages occur.

•Equipment summary: The line and tree crews will be prepared to respond to any snow, ice or wind-related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date

NYSEG and RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website 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 mobile apps 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 companies update 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 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 www.NYSEG.com or www.RGE.com, and on the company’s social media pages:

• Facebook: @NYSEandG
• Twitter: @NYSEandG
• Facebook: @RochGandE
• Twitter: @RGandE