Con Ed asks customers to reduce power after manhole explosions in Brooklyn

CYPRESS HILLS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Con Edison asked some customers in Brooklyn and Queens to conserve energy following a series of manhole explosions on Wednesday.

The company says they had to interrupt service to roughly 940 customers in the Cypress Hills area while crews worked on repairs related to a manhole fire at Liberty Avenue and Bradford Street.

About 143,000 customers who live and work in the area were asked to reduce their voltage by 8%.

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They were also asked to not use energy-intensive appliances such as washers, dryers, and microwaves until crews completed repairs.

Con Edison said they expected to restore power to all customers by 7 p.m., but 116 customers remained out of service as of 10 p.m.

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