National Grid has restored service to the 213,567 Upstate New York customers affected by the historic series of storms that tore through the region causing homes and buildings to collapse, roofs to blow off, and church steeples to topple. The storms — which included six tornadoes, winds in excess of 130 mph, multiple microbursts, and significant rain and hail in some areas — uprooted trees, toppled buildings, snapped more than 460 utility poles and caused significant damage to transmission and distribution infrastructure.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience and support as we worked around the clock in unprecedented conditions to remove the storms’ significant damage, make the areas safe, and complete the labor- and time-intensive reconstruction of our energy delivery system,” said Matt Barnett, National Grid’s vice president of New York electric operations. “We also extend our sincere thanks to local officials, first responders, and other key emergency personnel who partnered with us and helped facilitate the cleanup and restoration process.” 

Claims Process for Food and/or Medication Spoilage

Residential customers who experienced an outage lasting more than 72 consecutive hours due to these storms may be eligible for reimbursement for food and/or prescription medication spoilage. Reimbursement claims for qualifying customers must be submitted by Aug. 3, 2024, and include an itemized list and proof of loss. Click here for additional details and National Grid’s online claim form. Claims also can be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service or by calling 315-428-3370.

Additionally, small business customers who experienced an outage lasting more than 72 consecutive hours due to these storms may be eligible for reimbursement for food spoilage. Customers will be required to provide an itemized list and proof of loss for any spoiled food and must submit their claim form by Aug. 3, 2024. Click here for additional details and an online claim form. Claims also can be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service or by calling 315-428-3370.

Safety Near Downed Power Lines

Customers are reminded to remain aware of potential safety hazards such as damaged trees, particularly broken limbs that haven’t yet fallen to the ground. As always, customers are reminded to keep safety a priority by avoiding downed wires.  All wires should be considered live and should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911.

• Stay away from downed power lines and wires; use caution if one is nearby, 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.

Gas Safety Reminders 

It is important to act quickly and safely when you suspect a natural gas leak. National Grid and other gas delivery companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to natural gas to give it a distinct, pungent odor similar to rotten eggs. If you suspect a gas leak, it is important that everyone in your home exit the property immediately without:

• Touching any electrical or light switches, doorbells, phones, or anything that could cause a spark, including any appliances or thermostats
• Turning any electrical equipment on or off
• Pulling plugs from outlets
• Smoking or lighting matches
• Re-entering until you receive authorization from National Grid or emergency responders
  
  

Call National Grid’s gas emergency line at 800-892-2345 or 911 immediately after exiting and getting a safe distance from the building.

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 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.