Power companies, PSC prepping for heat wave

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Local power companies are preparing for the heat wave and the Public Service Commission, which regulates utility companies, is taking steps to protect the electric grid.

The Public Service Commission said the combination of high energy use and high temperatures will put stress on the electrical grid, which can cause isolated outages. Local power companies, like National Grid, are focused on demand of their electrical systems.

The PSC said what's unique about this week's heat wave is that it's happening earlier in the year than normal and that the longer the heat wave lasts, the more stress and the more damage that's done to the electrical system.

As temperatures rise, the PSC said it's cooling transformers by spraying them with water and shading them so they don't overheat. Excavation work has been put on pause due to the heat.

At National Grid, crews will be working in the heat all week. Behind the scenes, the company is focused on potential outages.

"We'll monitor loads across all of our stations in Western New York," said Ken Kujawa, the regional director at National Grid. "If we see any issues, if we have any outages, crews will respond accordingly, but we're prepared and we feel we'll be ready."

National Grid has tips to ease the demand on the electrical grid:

• keep blinds and curtains closed during the day
• check air filters and make sure they're clean
• National Grid said this may be tough, but don't turn on the oven during the early evening hours, which is when the demand is highest of their system -- the oven can also heat the home

Power crews will be told to take frequent breaks and to stay hydrated.

"They're working directly in the sun from the time they show up here in the morning to the time they leave at the end of the day," Kujawa said. "We need to make sure that they stay safe and we ask the public as well keep an eye out for them. If they're working out in the field, they should have cones set up. Please be cognizant of the fact that we do have crews out in the field."

National Grid said they have enough workers to get the job done and that there's no need to call in crews, like during a winter storm or a wind storm.