NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — About 6,000 Con Edison customers on Staten Island were without power Friday evening, and the utility asked customers in parts of the borough to conserve energy in the meantime.
Con Edison says about 3,000 customers without power are in the Castleton Corners and Westerleigh neighborhoods of the island. Crews are due to work through the night, with hopes power will be restored by 3 a.m. Saturday.
According to the utility company, an overhead electric-delivery system was damaged as intense heat hit New York City and brought about a high demand for power.
While repairs go on, Con Edison says voltage will be reduced in West Brighton, Livingston, Port Richmond, Castleton Corners, Sunnyside, Mariners Harbor, Arlington, Bloomfield, Chelsea, Travis, Great Kills and Richmond Valley. Those areas include nearly 40,000 customers.
Con Edison also asked Westchester customers in Rye, Rye Brook, Port Chester, Harrison and Mamaroneck to conserve energy, while reducing voltage by 8%.
Con Ed is also asking for residents of the aforementioned neighborhoods to avoid washers, dryers and microwaves and limit any “unnecessary” use of air conditioning until crews complete repairs.
The company also stressed that customers should avoid downed wires, because they could be live. Anyone who sees downed wires is asked to call police or 1-800-75-CONED.
In the process or power restoration, Con Ed crews will be prioritizing critical facilities like police and fire stations or water plants.