NYSEG and RG&E, AVANGRID Answers Governor Cuomo’s Call for Help

NYSEG and RG&E, AVANGRID companies have announced this morning that they will be lending a hand to curb the spread of COVID-19 and are donating approximately 17,700 protective masks to be used by health care workers across New York State. There has been a shortage of protective gear for medical personnel fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The utility company is making the donation in answer to Governor Cuomo’s call for help from New York State businesses who have needed equipment or a means of making what is needed.

The 9,000 surgical masks and 8,700 N95 respirators are being delivered to a state receiving center, where officials will distribute them to facilities most in need.

Carl A. Taylor, President and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E says, “As the governor said, this is not a sprint – it’s a marathon. Given the dire shortages of masks and other protective gear faced by medical facilities across the state, we have an opportunity and an obligation to help. We sincerely hope that by doing this we are able to help save lives.”

In addition to the donation of masks, NYSEG and RG&E have also taken steps to help reinforce the electric system that provides energy to hospitals, nursing homes, food and critical distribution warehouses and other critical facilities in the coronavirus response. Company personnel have been inspecting the electrical circuits that supply electricity to those facilities, repairing any found issues including trimming potentially hazardous trees that could cause service disruptions along the way.

Last Wednesday, AVANGRID and its charitable nonprofit affiliate, the Avangrid Foundation, committed $2 million to support coronavirus relief and recovery. Additionally, NYSEG and RG&E field personnel who have been unable to perform their regular duties due to new health and safety protocols continue to volunteer at local food banks and other organizations that are supporting the needs of people impacted by the virus.