NYSEG and RG&E prepared for Winter Storm

NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified energy and utility company, have been monitoring weather forecasts and are prepared for a storm forecast to bring mixed precipitation and significant snowfall to areas of New York this afternoon and into the overnight hours.

NYSEG and RG&E’s storm readiness teams have been preparing and planning for the impacts of the storm, and the company is pre-positioning personnel and equipment to ensure that adequate resources are ready to respond. Current forecasts call for a mix of weather across the state today through Saturday. 

NYSEG and RG&E offer customers the following tips to prepare for the storm and stay safe.

Before a storm strikes:

• Enroll in the free Outage Alerts service, which provides the latest information about power outages by text message, email, or voice message.
• 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.

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 1.800.572.1131or RG&E at 1.800.743.1701. Our telephone systems let callers report the problem, help our crews respond quickly and efficiently, and provide customers with power interruption updates. Because many people may be trying to reach us during a power interruption, phone lines may be busy. Anyone who has access to a working computer or mobile device during a power interruption can also report the interruption online at nyseg.com or rge.com.
• When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.
• Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Turn off or unplug major appliances to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
• During heavy snows, ensure chimneys and flues are not blocked by snowfall.

For customers that plan to install or already have generators:

• Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.
• Properly ground all portable generators.
• Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator’s operating manual.
• Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.
• If your carbon monoxide detector goes off – get out of the building immediately and call 911.
• Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it’s running.

After power is restored:

• Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.
• If a basement or home was flooded, have an electrician check the home before contacting NYSEG and RG&E to have services turned on.
• Replenish any emergency supplies used during the storm.

The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.

NYSEG and RG&E also remind drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.

Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages is available at nyseg.com or rge.com (click on “Outage Central”).