RGE - Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation

12/02/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2022 14:08

NYSEG and RG&E Hold Resources in Place as Strong Winds are Expected to Continue This Weekend

Companies have had pre-staged additional crews and equipment across the region throughout this week due to forecasted high winds


BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - December 2, 2022, 2:15 PM - As this week's high winds are expected to continue into the weekend, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are continuing to hold its pre-staged resources in place. The incoming severe winds have the potential to impact RG&E's service area as well as NYSEG's Lancaster and Lockport divisions, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara counties.

Current forecasts call for high winds, with peak gusts potentially reaching upwards of 50mph, to begin early Saturday morning in Western New York and then move east across the state. The strongest gusts are expected Saturday morning through the early afternoon. The weather will exit the state around 8pm. The strong winds 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 pre-staged 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 or wind related issues with bucket trucks, auger trucks, wood chippers, dump trucks and backhoes.

How to Stay Up to Date

RG&E will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on its website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Customers should also sign up for Outage Alerts and download the 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 "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 rge.com/alerts.
  • 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.
  • RG&E customers should call 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, use our Mobile App, visit nyseg.com or contact RG&E at 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 company's first priority is to respond to reports of downed power lines to keep the public safe. RG&E customers are asked to call 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 rge.com and on the company's social media pages:

• Facebook: @RochGandE
• Twitter: @RGandE

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