MID-HUDSON – Wednesday’s forecasted hot and humid weather
has prompted Orange and Rockland Utilities to post a Heat Watch.
O&R services Rockland County and western Orange County.
The combination of heat and humidity is expected to drive up air conditioning
use and that is predicted to push demand for electricity on the O&R
system past 1,300 megawatts, triggering a Heat Watch.
Wednesday’s demand is expected to peak at 1,358 mW. O&R’s
all-time electric demand record is 1,617 mW set on August 2, 2006.
O&R advises its customers to take steps through Wednesday, and most
likely through Friday this week, at least, to most efficiently use electricity.
The number one tip for conserving electricity is to turn off air conditioners
in empty homes while you are away or at work.
Install a timer or clock thermostat on your air conditioner so you can
program it to operate during pre-determined hours.
Plan cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and
humidity for the cooler times of the day and night.
On the east side of the Hudson River, the Westchester’s Health Department
has issued a heat advisory advising residents to avoid strenuous activity,
drink plenty of non-alcoholic, uncaffeinated beverages and take precautions
to prevent heat-related illness.
“Be smart and don’t overdo it in the heat,” said County
Executive Robert Astorino. “Just as you check on elderly neighbors
in the winter, look in on seniors during a summer heat wave and follow
the health department’s advice to stay cool and stay hydrated.”
