National Grid’s line, tree, and public safety specialists have been working through challenging conditions as they clean up extensive debris, repair damaged equipment and restore power to customers across the Mohawk Valley and Central New York after a severe thunderstorm tore through the region Tuesday evening. Crews were pre-positioned ahead of the storm and have been supplemented by company resources from across the state.

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, National Grid has restored service to more than 24,300 of the 28,600 Central New Yorkers impacted by the storm. The company is estimating that power will be restored by 11:30 p.m. tonight for customers who remain without service due to the storm. Isolated pockets and scattered single-customer outages in areas that posed the greatest challenges to restoration may potentially extend into Thursday.

Power is being consistently restored to customers and ETRs are updated on the company’s Outage Central site. Additionally, customers can check on the power restoration estimate for their specific address by logging into our Report or Check an Outage page.

“On behalf of National Grid, I’d like to thank the local officials, first responders and other key personnel with whom we have coordinated restoration efforts,” said Zach Butcher, Director of Electric Maintenance for National Grid. “We appreciate the support of our community partners and the patience of our customers as we continue to work around the clock to repair all of the damage that was caused.”

The region saw significant rain, dangerous lightning and damaging winds – including gusts of up to 60 mph in some areas – that resulted in snapped tree limbs, damaged buildings and downed power lines. Tree damage in urban and rural areas has created access issues and impassable roads for company crews as they work to remove the hazards. The Mohawk Valley, including Herkimer and Oneida counties, has seen the most extensive storm damage.

“Public safety is our top priority as our crews are in the field removing debris, repairing widespread damage and restoring service across the region,” said Zach Butcher, Director of Electric Maintenance for National Grid. “The calm weather and warming temperatures may bring individuals and families outside to enjoy the sunshine, but we caution everyone to be vigilant near downed tree limbs and utility lines, as they can create a dangerous situation for everyone.

“If you see a downed power line,” Butcher said, “assume it is live and carrying electricity. Stay back at least 30 feet and contact 911 or National Grid to report the hazard.”

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.

Estimated Restoration Times

• In the early stages of a storm, the restoration times on National Grid’s Outage Central site may be listed as “assessing conditions.” This is because debris such as trees, tree limbs, and downed wires, must be cleared away so that damage to our equipment can be assessed and restoration plans can be executed. 
• It's normal for outage numbers and estimated restoration times to fluctuate as we de-energize lines to make conditions safe for repairs.

The Restoration Process

The company’s first priority is to ensure the safety of our customers and our crews by clearing away dangers such as live, downed power lines. Next comes repairs to main transmission facilities, including towers, poles and high-tension wires that deliver power to thousands of customers. Recovery work at local substations also is a high priority, followed by repairs to neighborhood circuits, transformers and service wires. Click here for a video on how National Grid restores power after a storm.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• Customers who experience a power outage 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.
• If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights. Do not use candles, which can pose a fire hazard.
• 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.

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.
• Outage Central Reminder: Our Outage Central page shows the estimated time of restoration for communities and reflects the estimated time for the last customer in that community to have power restored. The most accurate way for customers to check on the power restoration estimate for their specific address is to log into our Report or Check Outage page.
• Customers can read check outage status, report an outage and see the latest storm-related news releases from the company by using the updated National Grid app, free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Visit our website: www.nationalgridus.com, follow us on X and like us on Facebook.

Click here for details on the company’s storm preparation and restoration process. 

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.