Heavy Snow Causing Interruptions as Weather Enters Second Day
BINGHAMTON, New York — Dec. 2, 2019, 2:00 p.m. EST — NYSEG a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is responding after heavy snow and wintry conditions disrupted service to thousands of customers. At this time, more than 17,000 customers are currently without power due to the storms. The hardest hit areas include the Elmira, Hornell and Ithaca service divisions, which include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland,Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins and Wyoming counties. Customers in these areas may have power interruptions last through the overnight hours, as initial reports indicate significant damage to the electric system, including in off-road areas that will be difficult to quickly access and repair. As company personnel are able to evaluate the damage in these difficult areas, estimated times of restoration will be refined. In some cases, restoration times will show as “assessing” until resources are able to visually inspect the damage on scene. Despite the tough conditions, crews will continue to work until every customer is restored. In addition, supplemental resources have been mobilized from neighboring locations to support those already in the field.
Current forecasts call for heavy wet snow to continue throughout the day on Monday. As a result, the precipitation has the potential to bring down trees and limbs, causing damage to overhead power lines and other electrical equipment. NYSEG reminds the public to exercise extreme caution if traveling, as outages attributed to motor vehicle accidents involving electric poles and equipment have already been reported.
The companies’ storm readiness teams have been engaged throughout the event, planning and dispatching crews and equipment to necessary areas. Currently, hundreds of field resources are engaged in the company’s storm response effort. The company is also coordinating preparations with state and local emergency management authorities. NYSEG will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on their website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). The company also offers customers the following reminders to prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.
Before a storm strikes:
Sign up for Outage Alerts to receive updates automatically by phone, text, or e-mail 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.
Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable 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 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 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 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 NYSEG.com or RGE.com and on the company’s social media pages:
Facebook: @NYSEandG
Twitter: @NYSEandG