The request was issued on Thursday, July 2, after the utility reduced voltage by 8 percent in portions of Yonkers, Pelham, Mount Vernon, Bronxville, Eastchester, New Rochelle, the Town of Mamaroneck, the northeast Bronx, and City Island to protect electrical equipment and maintain service while repairs are underway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The utility company said\u00a0the affected Westchester area is bounded by the Bronx to the south, parts of Eastchester and New Rochelle to the north, sections of Yonkers and Tuckahoe to the east, and portions of New Rochelle and Mamaroneck to the west.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The equipment issue is isolated to the affected neighborhoods and does not impact the rest of its electric system, the company said, with officials also adding that they are coordinating with Westchester County Emergency Management.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Con Edison reported 2,815 customers without electricity in the county.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Customers in the affected areas are being asked to reduce electricity use until repairs are completed by avoiding the use of energy-intensive appliances such as washers, dryers, and microwaves. Customers should also limit unnecessary air conditioning use, only using one and setting it to the highest comfortable temperature.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Residents are also asked to delay charging electric vehicles until\u00a0absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n
The conservation request comes as the National Weather Service’s Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect for Westchester County until 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.<\/p>\n
Forecasters say heat index values could reach 112 degrees, creating dangerous conditions that significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone working or exercising outdoors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service is urging residents to stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be moved to a cool location immediately, and 911 should be called, as heat stroke is a medical emergency.<\/p>\n