Avangrid Companies Earn Dual Emergency Response Awards
Avangrid, Inc., a leading sustainable energy company and a member of the Iberdrola Group, has recently been honored with dual Emergency Response Awards by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). These prestigious awards acknowledge the exemplary efforts of Avangrid’s subsidiaries, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Central Maine Power (CMP), in responding to and recovering from severe weather conditions during the storms of 2024. The awards highlight the companies’ quick, efficient restoration of power to hundreds of thousands of customers who were affected by the storms.
Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, expressed his pride in the recognition, saying, “We are committed to serving our customers with safe and reliable service in any situation. Despite the widespread damage caused by these storms, our women and men worked quickly to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers in a matter of days. The planning, preparation, and response took a true team effort, and all of us are immensely proud to be recognized by EEI with this prestigious award.”
The Emergency Response Awards, presented biannually by EEI, are designed to recognize member companies that demonstrate exceptional efforts in restoring service to the public after a storm or natural disaster. The nominations are reviewed carefully, and the winners are chosen based on their swift and effective response. Avangrid’s companies, NYSEG and CMP, were honored for their outstanding contributions during the 2024 storm season, with their efforts officially recognized during EEI’s winter Board of Directors and CEO meeting.
NYSEG’s Response to Tropical Storm Debby
NYSEG earned its recognition for its outstanding response to Tropical Storm Debby, which struck New York state in August 2024. The storm, which lasted from August 5 through 9, brought a combination of heavy rainfall, harsh wind gusts, coastal flooding, and tornadoes to much of the East Coast. As a result, downed trees and power outages affected over 100,000 customers across New York State.
In the face of these challenges, NYSEG’s response was swift and efficient, with more than 1,300 field service personnel deployed across the company’s service area to restore power. The company’s teams worked tirelessly to clear debris, repair infrastructure, and restore power in a timely manner.
Trish Nilsen, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E, emphasized the company’s role as first responders in extreme weather situations, stating, “Our customers count on NYSEG to be first responders during our extreme weather, restoring power safely, effectively, and as quickly as possible. We are proud to receive this prestigious award because it recognizes our commitment to our customers, our communities, and operational excellence.”
CMP’s Response to the Spring Nor’easter
CMP, Avangrid’s subsidiary in Maine, was honored for its response to a spring nor’easter that struck the region on April 4, 2024. This powerful storm, which brought heavy snow, strong winds, and ice, caused widespread damage throughout the state of Maine, leaving more than 270,000 customers without power.
The storm was particularly severe due to the combination of wet, heavy snow and strong winds, which led to significant tree damage. The weight of the snow caused trees to fall and damage power lines, leaving residents and businesses without electricity for extended periods. In response to the situation, more than 1,100 crews were mobilized to conduct damage assessments, clear trees, and repair the damaged infrastructure.
Joe Purington, President and CEO of CMP, praised the tireless efforts of the company’s crews, saying, “Spring 2024 saw back-to-back snow and ice storms impact hundreds of thousands of CMP customers. After wet, heavy snow brought down trees and power lines across Maine, our teams worked tirelessly to get the lights back on for our communities and neighbors. Our top priority in any storm is fast power restoration. This award goes to our CMP crews who showed up in snow, ice, wind, and rain and made that possible.”
Preparation and Response: A Team Effort
Both NYSEG and CMP’s responses to these major weather events reflect the companies’ commitment to operational excellence and their ability to quickly mobilize resources in the face of natural disasters. The preparation, coordination, and execution of these recovery efforts were essential to the success of the restoration operations.
In the aftermath of the storms, both companies focused on ensuring that their systems were in place to handle such events and minimize the impact on their customers. From pre-storm preparation to post-storm recovery, the teams worked around the clock to restore power to affected areas. This included everything from inspecting and repairing infrastructure to ensuring the safety of customers and personnel.
Avangrid’s recognition by the EEI is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing reliable service, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The company’s ability to restore power quickly after major storms is a reflection of its dedication to its customers and communities.
The Role of Emergency Response Plans
Both NYSEG and CMP have well-established emergency response plans that allow them to respond quickly to storms and other natural disasters. These plans are designed to ensure that the companies are prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from high winds and heavy snow to flooding and wildfires.
One of the key components of these plans is the pre-positioning of crews and equipment before the storm arrives. By having resources in place ahead of time, the companies are able to move quickly once the storm has passed. Additionally, the companies have robust communication strategies in place to keep customers informed throughout the restoration process, ensuring that they are aware of the progress being made.
The use of advanced technology also plays a crucial role in the response efforts. Both companies have invested in state-of-the-art systems that allow them to monitor conditions in real-time and make data-driven decisions to improve the speed and efficiency of their response efforts. These systems help identify problem areas, prioritize repairs, and allocate resources effectively.
Avangrid’s Commitment to Sustainability
As a leader in the energy sector, Avangrid is deeply committed to sustainability and providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers. The company’s response to the 2024 storms is just one example of how it continues to work toward its goal of building a resilient energy infrastructure.
In addition to its efforts in emergency response, Avangrid is focused on advancing clean energy solutions and reducing its environmental impact. The company is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon future and has made significant investments in renewable energy projects. Through its parent company, Iberdrola, Avangrid is part of a global effort to lead the way in sustainable energy development.
The company’s focus on sustainability is not limited to its energy production; it also extends to its operations and emergency response strategies. By investing in modern technology, improving resilience, and planning for the future, Avangrid is ensuring that it can continue to meet the energy needs of its customers while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Looking Ahead: Continued Focus on Excellence
Receiving the Emergency Response Award is not the end of Avangrid’s commitment to its customers, but rather a milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve service and response capabilities. The company will continue to focus on enhancing its emergency preparedness, strengthening its infrastructure, and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
As the company moves forward, it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and ensuring that its response to future storms and disasters is as swift and effective as possible. Avangrid’s commitment to customer service, operational efficiency, and sustainability will continue to guide its efforts as it works to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future for all.
In conclusion, the recognition of NYSEG and CMP by the Edison Electric Institute is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their dedication to their customers and communities. Through teamwork, preparation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, these companies have demonstrated what it means to be leaders in the energy sector. As Avangrid looks to the future, it will continue to prioritize the safety, reliability, and sustainability of its services, ensuring that it remains a trusted provider of energy for years to come.
