More than 3,300 after-hours emergency calls rolled into NYSEG in 2025 — and a joint effort with union workers helped answer them.
New York State Electric & Gas and International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 10 say their First Responder Program continues to strengthen emergency response efforts across upstate New York.
The program brings together NYSEG and IBEW Local 10 to respond to emergencies such as gas leaks, damaged gas lines, carbon monoxide calls and structure fires. While gas fitters have always handled emergency calls, company officials say the formal partnership builds a deeper roster of trained responders and improves response times.
“Protecting life and property is at the forefront of what our gas fitters do,” said Tom Scappaticci, vice president of Gas Engineering and Operations at Avangrid. “Thanks to our partnership with IBEW Local 10, we’re able to better respond to any emergency from the moment it’s called in. In the event that we are dealing with multiple emergencies at once, having a deeper bench of responders means that we can resolve situations quickly and efficiently. We couldn’t do that without support from the union.”
NYSEG reported receiving more than 3,300 after-hours emergency calls statewide in 2025. The company’s service territory covers about 40 percent of upstate New York.
Union leaders say the partnership shows the value of a trained workforce ready to step in when needed.
“Public safety, life and property, are our first responders’ number one priority,” said Roman Cefali, president of IBEW Local 10. “This partnership with NYSEG is a clear example of what happens when a highly skilled and trained union workforce can use their expertise, commitment, and on-the-job experience to keep our communities safe. This program is an investment in the workers, in the public service, and the people who rely on us every day.”
To qualify as gas fitters, workers complete multiple progression trainings that include first responder instruction. Even after finishing their initial training, they must re-qualify every three years to maintain fully qualified status.
NYSEG operates about 35,000 miles of electric distribution lines and 8,150 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines across its territory. The company serves approximately 894,000 electricity customers and 266,000 natural gas customers.
Officials say the First Responder Program aims to keep communities safe by ensuring trained crews can respond quickly and effectively when emergencies strike.
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