LIPA Grid Holding Steady in Record Heat

Even with temps nearing or topping 100 degrees , LIPA’s electrical grid that serves Lindenhurst and all of Long Island is holding steady.

“We are doing well. We have enough capacity to meet the electrical for all of our customers,” LIPA spokesperson Vanessa Baird-Streeter told Patch.

LIPA provides power to 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties, save for Freeport, Rockville Centre and Greenport, which have their own grids. That number, however, does include customers in the Far Rockaways, as well.

“Our current load is 5,715 megawatts, and our all-time peak load was 5,825, which was set on July 6, 2010. So we have capacity to meet our customers needs,” said Baird-Streeter.

She also assured that, “Even if we , we still have the capacity.”

If customers do experience a power outage, they should call 800-490-0075.

“And choose the option to put in a phone number so we can call you back with an estimated restoration time,” Baird-Streeter advised.

Customers can also visit LIPA’s website or Storm Center online.

LIPA added that it’ll have extra crews available to address any heat-related outages in “a quick and safe manner.”

In addition, the power provider advised that conserving electricity will help reduce the stress on the system and the potential for outages.

To that end, and to help customers also manage electrical costs down during this heat wave and the rest of the summer, it offered these tips:

• Put air conditioners on timers, don't let them run when not at home.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Set air conditioners at 78 degrees.
• Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use.
• Set refrigerators and freezers at the most efficient temperatures.
• Run major appliances such as clothes and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.