LIPA urges energy conservation during heat wave
Date: 15-Aug-02
Country: USA
LIPA has about 5,576 megawatts of electricity available from all sources to meet an anticipated peak demand of some 4,850 MW this week, which is expected to be the hottest day of what could be a brutally long heat wave.
"While we should have sufficient resources to meet today's demand, LIPA continues to urge its customers to conserve electricity whenever possible," said LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel.
Temperatures in New York City have broken 90 degrees F since Sunday, Aug. 11, and are expected to continue breaking 90 degrees every day through next Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Meteorologists forecast the mercury would reach 98 degrees in the city this week, the hottest day expected, with the humidity making it feel more like 100 degrees.
Electricity demand typically peaks during the summer, when air conditioning accounts for about a third of all power used.
LIPA, a state-owned electric utility, serves 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.
WHAT CONSUMERS CAN DO
LIPA asked homeowners and businesses to:
set air conditioners to 78 degrees F or higher, or use fans as an alternative;
turn off unnecessary lights and appliances;
set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures;
close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside; and
delay the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers and swimming pool pumps until after late at night.