Power shut off for 9,800 customers in Queens to fix issues caused by heat
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Con Edison has temporarily shut off electric service to almost 10,000 residential and commercial customers located in southwest Queens due to equipment problems caused by extreme heat and heavy demand for power.
The company said customers in the following locations may have had their service temporarily shut off to allow for quicker repairs and prevent extended and widespread outages: Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park.
Con Edison crews are working to assess damage and make repairs to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
In the meantime, ConEd will be distributing dry ice to residents in Queens who have lost power due to the heat wave.
The company will also have a mobile information center at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd at Resorts World Casino Lot C from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., or until supplies run out. Residents can access the location from Aqueduct Road.
ConEd spent much of Thursday trying to restore power to thousands after the extreme heat caused scattered outages.
Customers are also asked to limit the use of energy-intensive appliances and the unnecessary use of air conditioning.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday said state officials are monitoring the electrical grid to ensure it can withstand increased energy use.
"My team has been coordinating with Con-Ed, NYISO and New York City leaders to ensure all large consumers are able to switch to other fuel sources have done so to reduce their usage," Hochul said. "Due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges, I am also calling on New Yorkers to do their part to proactively conserve electricity if safe to do so by setting air conditioning units between 75-78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use. These small steps can go a long way."
Customers can report outages and check service restoration status at www.conEd.com/reportoutage, or with our mobile app for iOS or Android devices, or by calling 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When calling, customers should report whether their neighbors also have lost power. Customers who report outages will receive updates with their estimated restoration times as they become available.
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