Steamy Temps All Week Prompt O&R Heat Watch

Orange & Rockland is expecting hot temperatures forecasted to last throughout the week will be demanding on its electrical system, and preemptively issued a Heat Watch Sunday for the entire week.

“The simmering heat and sticky humidity are expected to push the load on the O&R electric system past 1,300 megawatts each day this week,” the utility said in a release Sunday afternoon on what prompted the Watch. The utility anticipates its peak electric demand will come in on Monday, and predicts it will be about 1,475 megawatts.

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory and Hazardous Weather Watch Monday, and it forecasting highs this week between 93 and 95 degrees.

“The Heat Watch advisory means that electric distribution system engineers are closely monitoring the loads on distribution circuits, transformer banks and other key system components to detect any heat-related issues so any concerns are addressed quickly. Field crews are at the ready to respond to any electric system problems as well,” O&R said in the release.

O&R released the following list of energy-saving tips it is asking customers to follow this week:

• Set the thermostat of your central air conditioner at 78 degrees F or higher to achieve maximum savings on your cooling costs.  Setting the room temperature on the air conditioner at 75 degrees costs about 15 percent more. A 72-degree setting costs about 30 percent more than the 78-degree setting.
  Plan cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and humidity for the cooler times of the day and night.
• Use a portable or ceiling fan to circulate the pre-cooled air in your air conditioned home. A fan uses about 90 percent less energy than an air conditioner.
• In very humid weather, adjust your air conditioner’s fan to a low setting. It’ll take longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, but your unit will bring in steamy air at a slower rate and make you feel more comfortable.
• As the sun moves from east to west during the day, pull your curtains and shades on windows to block out the heat.
• Maintain a constant temperature in the refrigerator of between 36 and 38 degrees for maximum effectiveness. The freezer should be kept at 15 degrees.
• Cover liquid items. They give off humidity that forces the refrigerator to use more energy.
• Place the most used items in one place so that the door will be open for a shorter period of time.
• If you experience problems with your electric service, please call O&R at 1-877-434-4100. Find more energy-saving tips at www.oru.com.