Press Release

To help keep electric power flowing reliably during a record-breaking heat wave, Con Edison reduced electric voltage today by five percent system-wide. In addition, it urged its 3 million customers to work with the company by curtailing unnecessary use of energy-intensive equipment, including washers, dryers, air conditioners, lights, televisions and computers.

The Con Edison electric system remains stable and the power supply adequate, despite record demand.

In implementing the voltage reduction, Con Edison complied with a request from the New York Power Pool, an organization that represents the state’s eight largest investor-owned utilities. Utilities throughout the state have been directed to reduce voltage because of insufficient reserves and low voltages in the bulk power system. The Power Pool, which coordinates the operation of electric production and transmission facilities in New York State, is asking all utility customers in the state to conserve energy.

During the record-breaking heat wave, parts of the Con Edison system have experienced scattered outages. Crews are at work to restore power to those affected.

Con Edison will provide updates to affected customers both directly and through the media as the situation warrants. The company is in constant communication with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Westchester County Office of Disaster and Emergency Services.