By Phil Corso
The temperature is high, but the voltage is not.
Consolidated Edison reduced its power voltage linking to several neighborhoods throughout Queens Thursday, citing issues with electrical equipment. The heat also put a hold on live racing at Belmont Park for the day.
Con Ed said it cut power by 5 percent in neighborhoods spanning from Douglaston to Ozone Park. In response, Con Ed is asking that customers curb their electrical consumption as a precaution.
“Con Edison urges all customers to use electricity wisely as crews work around the clock to keep the power flowing to 9 million New Yorkers,” spokesman Alfonso Quiroz said in a release.
The voltage reductions were done as a precaution to protect equipment and maintain service as crews worked to repair problems, Con Ed said. The utility asked that residents refrain from using appliances like washers, dryers, air conditioners and other energy-intensive equipment until the problems are resolved.
According to Con Ed, the equipment issues have no effect on the rest of the utility’s systems.
New York Racing Association spokesman Dan Silver said all live racing was canceled Thursday because of the high temperatures. The Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Cafe, however, remained open for simulcasting, Silver said.
Temperatures flirted with 97 degrees at 2:45 p.m.Thursday as part of a two-day heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The advisory extended until 7 p.m. Thursday.
Neighborhoods affected by Con Ed’s voltage reduction include Douglaston Manor, Douglaston, Little Neck, Bayside, Bay Terrace, Auburndale, College Point, Beechurst, Whitestone, Linden Hill, Murray Hill, Queensborough Hill, Broad Channel, South Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Kew Gardens, Glen Oaks, Floral Park, Bellerose, Queens Village, Bellaire, Holliswood, Hollis, St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Jamaica, South Jamaica, Jamaica Hills, Glendale, Forest Hills, Forest Hills Gardens, and Middle Village.
Energy-saving tips offered by the utility included cleaning air conditioner filters, setting thermostats no lower than 78 degrees, closing off unused rooms, turning off lights and running heavy appliances in the early morning or late evening.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
