Seward Convinces NYSEG To Improve Service In Laurens

ONEONTA, 02/11/13 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that after making multiple appeals, NYSEG is scheduled to take several steps to improve electrical service in the Town and Village of Laurens in Otsego County.

Senator Seward has met with local officials and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) representatives to discuss the high number of outages within the Laurens area and call for service upgrades to improve reliability.

“After bringing local representatives and NYSEG officials together to discuss the long-standing power problems, and continuing to advocate for improved electrical service in Laurens, I am glad to announce that an action plan is being put into motion,” said Senator Seward.  “Constant outages cost money, inhibit development and are frustrating - the unreliability of service is inexcusable.”

NYSEG President Mark S. Lynch, in a letter to Senator Seward states:

“We will soon be starting on a nearly $100,000 project to completely rebuild the Sweet Hill portion of the line that extends down to Burdick Road.  We will install new poles, add additional poles, install new conductors and prune the right of way.”

The letter also indicates that NYSEG is considering additional upgrades and will be studying the possibility of adding a new feed along County Route 11 from West Oneonta.  

“The improvement plan from NYSEG is a start.   Reports I have received concerning the frequency of outages from the Laurens Central School, town and village officials, and local residents, including those holding a fundraiser this past weekend, are extremely troubling and must be addressed and rectified.

“I will continue to monitor the situation in Laurens and stand ready to turn the issue over to the New York State Public Service Commission should the NYSEG blueprint fail to result in an expeditious and significant upgrade for ratepayers,” Seward concluded. 

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