I just went to the Con Edison website and learned that Con Edison has restored electrical service to approximately 42,800 customers affected by the intense heat wave this week but they are still asking people to conserve. The following is from Con Edison:

•    The company credits its customers for responding to requests for conservation since the heat wave began, thereby reducing the strain on the electrical system and avoiding more outages.

•    The company has hundreds of extra crews and support personnel available 24/7 to respond to any service problems that may arise. The company was working to restore service to about 1,800 customers who were without power as of 9 a.m. today.

•    Con Edison is distributing dry ice in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to customers affected by power interruptions. Bags of dry ice are being distributed at 60th Street and 6th Avenue. A Con Edison customer outreach van is at this location. Near that location, company crews are working to restore electrical power to residents from 5th Avenue to 8th Avenue between 59th and 61st Streets.

•    Con Edison urges customers to report power interruptions or service problems, as well as view service restoration information, online at www.conEd.com, or on their cell phones and PDAs. Customers can also call 1-800-75-CONED.

•    If you experience a power outage:

•    Turn off all light switches and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored. Leave at least one light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored;

•    Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds the thawing process;
•    Have a battery-powered radio and a supply of extra batteries handy. Have flashlights available for every member of your household;

•    Listen to your battery-operated radio on for updates on our restoration progress and safety tips;

•    Fill spare containers with water for cooking and washing.