From time to time, the city of New York City experiences heat waves or periods with high heat that could leave to black-outs or brownouts. At such times, the city runs the risk of scattered service outages in heavy power-use areas. This could affect the electricity to air conditioners, lights, subways, etc.
Con-Edison, the electrical company for New York City, offers these tips for staying cool while conserving energy:
Turn off your air conditioner before leaving home. Air conditioners may stop functioning if left on continuously for too long.
Use air conditioning only in rooms you are using. Block vents or turn off room-specific air conditioning only in rooms you are using. Block vents or turn off room-specific air conditioning units in unused rooms.
Keep your curtains and shades drawn. About 40% of unwanted heat comes in through the windows.
Run appliances like ovens or washing machines in the early morning or late evening to reduce the heat and moisture in your home.
Use fans if you can, but remember to leave windows open for ventilation. Fans use as little as one-tenth the electricity of an air conditioner.
Unplug all appliances and light fixtures when you are not using them. A single light bulb can add heat to your room.
Please be safe, stay hydrated, and keep cool through the week.
Note: if the city mandates a power curtailment, Lafayette could implement power-saving measures such as limiting elevator use, limiting light usage in the hall, etc.