BINGHAMTON, NY — April 14, 2020, 9:30 p.m. EST — NYSEG, an AVANGRID company, announced that it continues to make significant progress towards restoring power for customers in the company’s Brewster division (Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties) impacted by yesterday’s wind storm. Out of the 42,000 total customers impacted in the Brewster division, approximately 1,245 customers are currently without power – 1,016 customers in Putnam County, 129 in Westchester County and 53 in Dutchess County. While some customers will not be restored until Wednesday, the company encourages them to monitor the company’s estimated restoration time via the NYSEG website as estimates continue to be refined as progress is made. Crews will continue their work throughout the overnight period and until every customer is restored.
As a result of the storm, the division suffered more than 400 downed wires, in addition to dozens of broken poles and fallen trees and limbs. Currently, more than 650 company and contractor line and tree resources are actively engaged in the Brewster divisions restoration effort. Additional resources have continued to join the response throughout the day as resources are redeployed to the area.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 challenge, the company reaffirmed that crews are continuing to follow CDC recommendations, including social distancing and hygiene related best practices. Recognizing the NY PAUSE has many residents sheltered at home, for everyone’s safety we ask customers to observe a six-foot social distance if they must be near our workers and always remain outside the work zone. Allowing our crews to remain uninterrupted and focused on our work enables us to determine damage and make repairs more quickly. The company is also coordinating response efforts with state and local emergency management officials.
The company will provide updates throughout the event to the general public on its website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) and also remind customers of the following safety tips 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 “NYSEG.” The application is free to download.
- 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