BINGHAMTON - New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are urging customers to prepare for winter weather and are offering practical tips to stay safe and warm this season. 

“As any Upstate New Yorker knows, the winter storm season is right around the corner. These storms can happen at any moment, which is why we want all of our customers to be prepared, especially those who rely on life-sustaining equipment,” said Jennifer Pearce, VP of Reliability Assurance and Emergency Management for NYSEG and RG&E’s parent Company Avangrid.

“NYSEG and RG&E have benefits and services that can help customers with critical support when they need it most, but it is best to reach out early, before the winter storm season start," she said.

Customers who use oxygen tanks are reminded to charge their oxygen concentrators. NYSEG and RG&E customers who rely on life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to let the Companies know early. Those who have life-sustaining equipment can get enhanced texting service to notify them of storm preparation and to make sure they’re safe and getting important information needed during an outage. 

Households that rely on life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to call NYSEG at 800-572-1111 or RG&E at 800-743-2110 to ensure the correct mobile phone number is on file so customers can be reached in an emergency.

Customers can also find more information at Help With Your Bill | NYSEG - NYSEG, or Help With Your Bill | RG&E - RGE - under the Life Support Users section.

Customers using this type of equipment also need to complete a form from their physician and return it to NYSEG and RG&E. This allows the Companies to code customer accounts and meters properly and supports both prioritization of restoration during an event and additional contact during a prolonged outage.

According to the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), energy supply prices are expected to surge during the upcoming colder months.

Although the companies mitigate costs for customers who are on the standard service option (SC1), by hedging those rates, supply costs are still expected to go up.

This is due to an increase in energy demand during those colder months.

The companies also reminded customers that while generators are useful, they can be dangerous if not used properly. Customers should perform routine maintenance on their generators to ensure they work when they need it during an outage.Read, understand, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don't run a generator indoors or in a garage.

Operate your generator outdoors in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area and never indoors or in a garage. Generators must be properly grounded.

After losing power, turn off the main breaker or pull the main fuse block.

Generators that are directly connected to existing wiring systems must use a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch.

Use properly sized extension cords in good condition.

- Information from NYSEG and RG&E