Increased Field Force Restores Service to 94% of WNY Customers Impacted by Damaging Wind Storm
Mar 26, 2023 - 12:45 PM
Categories:
BUFFALO, N.Y. – National Grid’s Western New York crews are continuing to work around the clock and have restored service to 36,600, or 94%, of the 39,000 customers impacted by the weekend’s damaging windstorm that brought gusts of more than 70 mph in some areas. In preparation for the storm, the company increased weekend staffing and work shifts, and pre-positioned crews and materials in areas anticipated to be hardest hit by incoming weather.
“Public safety is our top priority as our crews are in the field in challenging conditions, removing debris, repairing widespread damage and restoring service across the region,” said Matt Barnett, National Grid’s Vice President of New York Electric Operations. “We are working closely with local officials, first responders and key emergency response personnel to coordinate our restoration efforts.”
Among the hardest hit areas include Allegany, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties. The company's workforce will continue to restore service throughout the day, with impacted customers expected to be returned to service by 11:30 p.m. Isolated and scattered single customer outages in the areas seeing the most significant wind damage could potentially extend into Monday morning. National Grid crews will do everything within their control to complete restoration as quickly and as safely as possible.
The company is providing the following safety reminders:
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 before the storm.
• 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 and view our downed power line safety video.
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.
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 path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Media Contacts
Related News