How To Survive A New York Heat Wave

With millions of air conditioners running at the same time, a summer heat wave can stress New York's power infrastructure to the breaking point. Nobody wants a repeat of the 2003 power outage. Here are some of the city's tips for conserving energy during a New York heat wave.

Energy Conservation Tips

Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

Only use the air conditioner when you are home. If you want to cool your home prior to your return, set a timer to switch on no more than 30 minutes before you arrive.

Turn non-essential appliances off.

Only use appliances that require substantial electricity during off-peak hours early in the morning or very late at night.

To prepare for possible power outages and disruptions, keep an Emergency Supply Kit – with items including a flashlight, battery-powered AM/FM radio, first-aid kit, bottled water and extra batteries – in an easily accessible place.

If there is a power outage, call:
ConEdison at 800-752-6633 or
KeySpan Energy at 800-490-0025

Get Tips for Staying Cool During A New York Heat Wave