NYSEG continues to restore power

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MID-HUDSON – NYSEG continues to respond after strong winds and heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Isaias disrupted power to thousands of customers. Currently, more than 81,000 customers are without power.

The hardest hit areas include the company’s Brewster (74,847 outages), Liberty (5,201 outages) and Mechanicville (968 outages) divisions, which include Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington and Westchester counties. Work continued during the overnight period to make safe downed wires, clear fallen debris from the roads and further assess the severity of damage. Current damage assessments indicate more than 1,000 downed wires and hundreds of broken poles occurred as a result of the storm.

Given the degree of damage, complete restoration is expected to last multiple days in the company’s Brewster division (Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties). As a result, the company will announce plans for ice and bottled water distribution on Tuesday.

More than 1,200 field personnel are currently responding to the event, with additional line and tree resources being added to support ongoing effort. The company is coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management authorities.

Recognizing that many residents are currently home due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, for everyone’s safety, the company asks customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on their work enables workers to determine damage and make repairs more quickly.

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 prepare for the storm and stay safe if power outages do occur.

Outage Information:

  • 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.
  • Customers can use the new NYSEG 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.

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 1.800.572.1131to 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 company’s first priority is 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 and on the company’s social media pages:

  • Facebook: @NYSEandG
  • Twitter: @NYSEandG



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