Heat wave leading to challenges in NYC power grid

AccuWeather

Jamie McShane of Con Edison shares some of the biggest concerns regarding the high-energy demands in New York City in the wake of another heat wave scorching the metropolitan region.

Transcript

00:00Jamie, would you say this is the highest stress on the New York power grid so far this summer?

00:05Certainly is. It's certainly the hottest and most sweltering day today, really.

00:10We're expecting the load to be high and the temperatures to be highest of 2024 for sure.

00:16We've had two previous heat events prior to this.

00:20So we have had the system has performed really well so far this summer.

00:24And, you know, we're closely monitoring it today.

00:28Well, as people may know, in New York City, those power lines all run underground.

00:32Is that more difficult to regulate heat than your traditional above ground power lines that you see outside the city?

00:39So that's right. In Manhattan, it's entirely underground, which is more susceptible to heat.

00:44So there's you know, it can be easily, you know, if it's in the mid 90s walking around on the street,

00:50it could be easily 100 degrees or higher in a manhole where our crews are working,

00:56you know, in this dangerous heat, long, long hours working to maintain critical infrastructure.

01:01It can be hotter and is hotter underground.

01:04So, you know, the demand for power, as well as the heat and humidity, can put a strain on the grid.

01:12So what we've asked and what we ask our customers to do is to be smart about how they use electricity.

01:17And if they can shift using high end intensive equipment like laundry machines, dryers, dishwashers,

01:24if you could shift that till after 10 p.m. late at night or before 2 p.m., that will ease strain on the grid.

01:32If you can raise the temperature on your thermostat just one degree,

01:35every one degree that you raise your thermostat will lower your utility bill.

01:41It'll ease pressure on the grid and it'll help the environment.

01:44And if everyone does their part, if everyone does and participates in conservation, millions of people do it,

01:49it can make a huge difference.

01:51Yeah, those little lifts like that as running those big powered machines,

01:55I think everyone can work together to try to reduce the stress there on the energy grid.

01:59Well, Janie McShane, spokesperson with Con Edison in New York.

02:02Thanks again for joining us on AccurateEarly.

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