Cuomo orders investigation into New York utilities’ preparedness for, response to recent windstorm

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently directed the New York State Department of Public Service to conduct an investigation into Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation’s (RG&E) and New York State Electric & Gas Corporation’s (NYSEG) preparedness for the recent severe windstorms.

The storms that swept through parts of Western New York and the Finger Lakes left over 100,000 customers without power on March 8 and 9.

As part of its investigation, the department will hold four hearings to receive public comment on customers’ experiences with their utility during the outage event. Customers can also submit comments online, by email by mail or over the phone.

In accordance with a new law enacted after Superstorm Sandy, utilities are required to develop emergency response
plans, which are subject to annual approval by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC approved RG&E’s and NYSEG’s plans last year as well as updates to the plans at its March 9 session. The rules also hold utilities responsible for restoring power in a timely manner.

The policies require an evaluation of utilities’ performance after severe outages. The PSC can review their response to ensure they are following the approved emergency response plans and can apply penalties based on the results of their investigation.