ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Area utilities are encouraging customers to conserve power during the heat wave since it puts additional strain on the power grid.
NYSEG and RG&E, which are both part of the company AVANGRID, say that they have taken measures to prepare the grid for increased customer demand, but with the additional usage, largely driven by the use of air conditioning, it puts more strain on the system.
A similar message was released by National Grid, which is asking upstate New York customers to reduce unnecessary electricity usage for the remainder of the week. Officials say electricity supply to the area is adequate, but heavy demand and high temperatures could potentially challenge regional networks.
Among the things you can do are:
-During daylight hours, close curtains or shades to reduce penetration of heat into the home.
-Set your thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature if health permits. A suggested range is 74 to 78 degrees.
-Turn off air conditioners when leaving home for an extended period, such as multiple days.
-Turn off ceiling fans when you’re not in the room.
-Unplug electronics when they are not being used. Devices like televisions and may still draw electricity when they are turned off.
As of early Tuesday morning, RG&E listed just under 600 outages, mostly in the City of Rochester, and NYSEG had about 1,600 outages, mostly in Wayne County.
The forecast calls for the heat to be a little less oppressive on Tuesday, with a high in the upper 80s. July 4th will see a high in the low 90s, and it will start to cool down a bit later in the week.