National Grid’s eastern New York field force has restored power to 93 percent of the more than 163,000 customers impacted by the severe ice, snow and wind storm that caused widespread damage in the region. Crews have been working 18-hour shifts, around the clock, removing uprooted trees, tree limbs, downed wires and other hazards, and repairing extensive damage to utility equipment and facilities after the storm’s devastation. Among areas hardest hit were Saratoga, Warren, Essex, Hamilton and Washington counties.

The majority of the 11,000 customers who remain without service are expected to have power restored by midnight tonight. There will be some scattered outages in localized areas that suffered the most severe damage, including some single customer outages, restored into Monday. Customers can find the estimated restoration time for their specific premise on Outage Central. The company’s extensive resources will remain in the field until the last outage is repaired. Customers who are without power when their neighbors have been restored should call National Grid at 1-800-867-5222.

 “We deeply appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as we continue to restore service as quickly and safely as possible in very challenging conditions,” said Laurie Poltynski, National Grid’s Eastern New York Executive. “We also are grateful for the support and partnership of our state, county and local first-responders and emergency coordinators as we continue our labor-intensive restoration efforts.” 

Once restoration is completed, National Grid crews will remain in the field as storm clean up continues. The company reminds drivers to use extreme caution as they approach work areas, to ensure the safety of utility and other storm-response personnel.

Electricity & Generator Safety

• Customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration when a power outage occurs.

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.
• 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.)

Use Caution When Addressing Ice and Snow Buildup 

• Clear snow and ice from gas meters and regulators by gently using a snow brush or broom.  Never kick, hit or use sharp objects to remove snow and ice.  If a meter and/or regulator is encased in solid ice, call National Grid at 1-800-642-4272.
• Ensure vents for natural gas appliances are clear of snow and ice. Covered or clogged vents can lead to the build-up of poisonous carbon monoxide. Customers who detect an odor of natural gas or suspect carbon monoxide is present in their home, should go outside immediately and breathe deeply. If CO poisoning symptoms, such as headaches or drowsiness, are severe, call 911 immediately.
• Customers experiencing gas odors or electricity emergencies should immediately call National Grid’s emergency number: 1-800-867-5222. 
• Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any lines coming from the street to the structure.
• Start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered.   
• If you are unsure of how to go about clearing snow and ice, or if your roof is particularly steep, contact a qualified roofing contractor.
• As snow is removed from the roof, be aware of what is below that could become buried as snow hits the ground.  Be especially mindful of the location of your electricity and gas meters, as they could be damaged by falling snow and ice.
• Snow removal equipment operators should be aware of the location of electricity and natural gas equipment and avoid coming in contact with meters or piling snow around vents and other equipment mounted on the outside of buildings.                                                  

Stay informed and connected:

• Customers can receive personalized alerts by text, email, and/or phone when an outage is detected at their property by enrolling in the company’s outage alert option. To register, text REG to 64743, enter your National Grid electricity account number and select your preferred method(s) of notification. 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.

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