Press Release

Con Edison is urging all customers in our service territory to conserve energy during this record-breaking heat wave.

Con Edison is requesting that customers in the Washington Heights network in Manhattan and the Richmond Hill network in Brooklyn and Queens discontinue their use of non-essential electrical appliances and equipment until problems on electrical feeder cables can be resolved due to the current heat wave. The utility is experiencing difficulties in these areas and customer cooperation will help ensure uninterrupted electric service for New Yorkers.

The Washington Heights network, which serves nearly 69,000 customers, is bounded by the Harlem River on the north and east, the Hudson River on the west and West 155th Street on the south. The affected neighborhoods include Washington Heights, Inwood, Fort George and Sherman Creek.

The Richmond Hill network, which serves 66,000 customers in parts of Queens and Brooklyn, is bounded by the Jackie Robinson Parkway on the north, Jamaica Bay on the south, the Van Wyck Expressway on the east and Alabama Avenue on the west.

The network encompasses the Brooklyn communities of East New York, Cypress Hills, New Lots, Starrett City, Spring Creek and Highland Park. The Queens communities served by the network are Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park and Howard Beach.

Company crews are working now to rectify the problem. Con Edison has asked customers in the affected areas not to use appliances such as washers, dryers, air conditioners and other energy-intensive equipment until the feeder cable problems are resolved. Customers are also urged to turn off lights, computers and televisions when not in use.

While the electricity supply is adequate, all New Yorkers are advised to use electricity wisely, especially during these high demand days.

The New York Power Pool, an organization that represents the state’s eight largest investor-owned utilities, is asking all New York State utility customers to conserve energy. The Pool coordinates the operation of electric production and transmission facilities in New York State.

Con Edison will provide updates to affected customers both directly and through the media as the situation warrants.