National Grid announces power outage on January 6 due to scheduled transmission line repairs

Rochester, New York – The National Grid has announced a significant power outage planned for the Genesee region on Saturday, January 6. This outage, crucial for repairs, will affect numerous residents across various areas and necessitate important safety precautions and available amenities for those impacted.

Outage Details and Affected Areas

The scheduled power interruption is set to occur from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during which crews will conduct repairs on two structures that support a transmission line. This maintenance is essential for ensuring the continued safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the region. Approximately 7,300 customers will experience the outage in the following areas: Avon, Calendonia, Lima, Livonia, Bloomfield and West Bloomfield, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Mendon, and Rush.

National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa acknowledged the inconvenience caused by an outage of this duration, especially during this time of the year. He emphasized, “The need to address these structures is urgent and came to light in recent weeks during work related to extensive electric system upgrades our crews are conducting in the area.” Kujawa further highlighted the extensive skills required for this project and expressed gratitude towards customers and local officials for their input on the most suitable date and time for this necessary work.

With the scheduled outage, National Grid has issued important safety advisories for those using backup generators. They urge residents to operate these generators outdoors to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, it is crucial to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker in the electric service panel before using a backup generator. This step is vital to prevent dangerous backfeeding.

To aid those affected by the power outage, warming centers will be available at multiple locations in Livingston and Monroe Counties. These centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing a safe and warm space for residents during the outage hours. The locations include:

• East Avon Fire Department, Avon Fire Department, Lima Emergency Services Base, and J.W. Jones Hall in Livingston County.
• Mendon Fire Department Community Room, Rush Fire Department Building, and Honeoye Falls Ambulance Base in Monroe County.

National Grid also advises customers who rely on electrically powered life support equipment, such as respirators, to contact them for information on requesting designation as a life support customer. In any medical emergency, dialing 911 is crucial.

This planned power outage, while a temporary inconvenience, is a necessary step in ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the region’s electric system. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and utilize the resources provided by National Grid and local authorities during this time.