National Grid crews continue to work around the clock and have restored power to 70,600, or 97%, of the 72,600 eastern New York customers impacted by the severe weekend weather that caused widespread damage across eastern New York. The storm brought up to 16 inches of heavy, wet snow to some portions of the region and knocked down trees, tree limbs, utility poles and electricity wires. 

“The remaining repairs are labor-intensive, primarily single-customer and isolated pockets of outages,” said Matt Barnett, Vice President of New York Electric Operations. “These outages take time because they require us to move equipment and staff street-to-street. We thank all of our customers for their continued patience and understanding as we advance closer to complete restoration of service. Our field force will remain active in the region until the last outage is resolved.”

Barnett added, “On behalf of National Grid, I want to extend a special thanks to the police, fire, public works, municipal officials, and other volunteers for their ongoing assistance and for their support of our customers and communities during our storm recovery efforts.”

Because of the significant restoration progress, the company will not be opening dry ice distribution locations today. 

Customers without service in the hardest hit areas of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties are estimated to have power restored by 11:30 p.m. today. National Grid crews will do everything within their control to complete restoration as quickly and as safely as possible.  The most accurate way for customers to check on the power restoration estimate for their specific address is to log into National Grid’s Report or Check Outage page.

The company reminds customers who are without service when their neighbors have power restored to call National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or report the outage report through our website.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure
• to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 911.
• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices.
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

Safety Near Downed Power Lines

• Always use extreme caution near downed power lines and wires, and always assume that they are carrying live electricity.
• Never touch a person or an object that is in contact with a downed line, as electricity can pass through to you.
• Take caution when approaching fallen trees, which could have power lines caught in them.
• Remember that water can conduct electricity. If you see a line down in a puddle or flooded area, avoid contact with the water to prevent risk of shock.
• Learn more about downed power line safety at our website

Stay Informed and Connected

• Customers with active electricity accounts who text ‘REG’ to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.
• Customers also can text ‘OUT’ to 64743 to report an outage.
• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.
• Customers can read the latest company news, check outage status and report an outage by using the National Grid app.
• Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on Twitter and friend us on Facebook.
• Click here for details on the company’s storm preparation and restoration process. 

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