As record-breaking heat sweeps across New York state, there are concerns about whether the state’s electric grid can handle the demand.
“We’ve made $350 million worth of investments into our system just this year, more than $2 billion over the last two years,” said Josh Natoli, spokesperson for Orange and Rockland Utilities.
In upstate New York, Orange and Rockland Utilities, which provides electric and gas services for more than 745,000 people, say they’re prepared to keep their customers safe during this heatwave.
“Our systems are well prepared,” said Natoli. “But just in case, we have all of our crews on standby.”
When it comes to the management of the state’s energy grid, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is working to make sure it can meet the increased demand.
On Thursday, an energy watch was issued as the grid hit a lower energy supply with forecasted reserves expected to remain below 2,620 megawatts for longer than an hour.
NYISO suggests customers voluntarily conserve power if safe to do so.
With temperatures expected to remain high throughout the week, the sustained air conditioning load is expected to add pressure on the grid’s generation and transmission resources across the state.
Estimates of peak demand hit 32,410 megawatts on Thursday, which is close to the state’s record peak of 33,956 megawatts back in July 2013 during a weeklong heatwave.
Patrick Stella is the spokesperson for National Grid, which distributes electricity to about 1.7 million customers in the Empire State.
“What we’re really seeing here in this particular heat event is sort of like a summertime type of storm,” said Stella. “It’s adverse weather for several days. The heat itself can also take a toll on the system just by beating down on the wires. It makes them more pliable and makes them more flexible. Sometimes that can cause problems, and that’s why we have these extra crews on.”
As the dog days of summer kick off right before the Fourth of July holiday with temperatures in Central Park hitting triple digits for the first time in more than a decade, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement, saying in part:
“New York State is in the midst of a prolonged heat wave, and we’ve been carefully monitoring our electrical grid to ensure it is able to withstand the increase in energy usage and keep New Yorkers safe. My team has been coordinating with Con-Ed, NYISO and New York City leaders to ensure all large consumers able to switch to other fuel sources have done so to reduce their usage. 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. While we are asking for New Yorkers to voluntarily conserve power, it’s critical to stay safe in this dangerous heat: stay hydrated, reduce time outdoors and find a cooling center near you, especially if you’re a senior citizen or have health concerns. I thank New Yorkers for taking these steps to reduce their usage and helping us keep the power on and protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
During rising temperatures, some New Yorkers criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for suggesting residents set their thermostats to 78 degrees to help conserve electricity.
Stella says he’s heard this before. He says it’s “a good temperature to alleviate demand,” but he understands it’s hot and “the thing that’s really important is to keep it as high as you can while still remaining comfortable.”
Stella says one degree higher will not only help the grid, but also help a customer save on their bill.