Con Edison's Heat Wave Preparedness and Grid Strengthening in NYC

Con Edison's Response to Heat Waves

• ⚡ Con Edison is preparing for the first heat wave of 2025 in the NYC area, with President Matthew Ketschke providing an update on service.
• 📌 Currently, approximately 16,000 out of 3.3 million customers are experiencing power outages across their service territory.

Grid Strengthening and Maintenance

• 🛠️ Con Edison spends the entire year reinforcing its electrical system to prepare for the hottest summer days.
• 💡 This involves replacing older cables, upgrading transformers, and ensuring the system's readiness.
• ⚠️ While the predominantly underground system is protected from storms, extreme heat in the city can trap heat, posing a challenge for underground infrastructure.

Emergency Response and Staffing

• 🚨 During heat events, Con Edison brings in extra staffing and opens its emergency response center to ensure quick responses to service issues.
• 🧊 Crews were distributing dry ice at Queens County Farm due to a service interruption in that area.
• 📍 While currently only distributing at Queens County Farm, Con Edison can mobilize dry ice and wet ice to other locations if needed.

Customer Energy-Saving Tips

• 🏠 Customers are encouraged to set thermostats to a comfortable, not excessively cold, temperature.
• 🔌 Deferring the use of high-intensity appliances like dryers and dishwashers to later in the evening or early morning can help reduce strain on the system.