NEW YORK, NY — (Marketwire) — 07/22/11 — Amid record-breaking heat, Con Edison–s overall electric use peaked at 13,189 megawatts (MW) at 4 p.m. today, eclipsing the all-time record of 13,141 MW set on August 2, 2006.
The company continued to urge customers to use energy wisely as New Yorkers in the city–s five boroughs and Westchester cope with sizzling heat and stifling humidity.
Demand response programs, which pay large customers to cut back on power usage during heat waves, were credited with reducing peak demand today by approximately 500 MW. The company also saluted its 3.2 million customers who heeded calls to conserve power, and credited them with a key assist in keeping the power flowing reliably.
Meanwhile, Con Edison crews are continuing to work tirelessly in sweltering conditions to restore customers impacted by scattered power outages. As of 7 p.m., the company had restored electric service to over 16,500 out of 24,000 customers affected since the heat wave began yesterday.
The company has additional crews and support personnel ready to respond to any electrical outages caused by the hot and humid conditions that are expected to continue through the weekend.
Con Edison reminds customers to report power interruptions or service problems online at , and on their cell phones and PDAs. They also may call 1-800-75CONED promptly if they are experiencing any service difficulties.
Customers can save energy and money by taking simple steps, including:
Making sure air conditioner filters are clean for peak efficiency.
Setting thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6 percent.
Closing off the rooms not being used if you have a room air-conditioner. If you have central air, block the vents in unused or vacant rooms.
Turning off lights and other appliances, using a timer to turn them on as necessary.
Running appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it–s generally cooler. Another alternative: Using a microwave to cook, or a barbecue outside, if possible.
CLOSING THE DOOR. Don–t let your air conditioning fly out the door. Storeowners who leave doors open with the A/C running could be subject to fines from the city.
Taking Con Edison–s offer of a free programmable thermostat if you have central air conditioning. Program the thermostat manually or from the Internet. Turning off your air conditioner when you–re not there beats leaving it on all the time. Programming it to turn on before you return is a wise way to save on summer electric bills. To learn more about Con Edison–s free programmable thermostat, call 1-866-521-8600 or visit .
Customers can also find energy-saving tips for homes and businesses at . The site links to other information about renewable energy and green power.
Con Edison continues to offer a host of energy-savings programs for homes and businesses. Customers can take steps to reduce energy usage this summer with rebates and incentives now available for energy-efficient appliances and cooling systems in their homes and businesses. To learn more or enroll, go to or call 1-877-870-6118.
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