BREAKING: It Is Not Cold Outside

It's pretty hot out there, eh? Actually, in Brooklyn it isn't too bad right now. At least if you can catch a breeze in the shade. Which is our way of leading into the sort of good news that as of yesterday afternoon (the first day of the heat wave we're just settling into) ConEd had only "only 139 customers without power — 93 in Queens, 22 in Westchester, 19 in Staten Island, 3 in the Bronx and 1 each in Manhattan and Brooklyn"

As temperatures remain in the 90s until at least Wednesday, things are expected to get crazier. The demand this weekend seems to be pretty steady at 10,000 megawatts, but that is expected to soar once the work week starts tomorrow and the large office buildings need to cool down their worker bees. So, obviously, ConEd is begging us all to use as little power as we can. Some tips they offer for how to do that include:

• Make sure air conditioner filters are clean so the machines operate at peak efficiency;
  
• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees;
  
• Keep Shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through your windows;
  
• Operate heavy duty appliances that give off large amounts of heat, such as ovens and dryers, in early morning hours or late at night when it’s cooler outside.

And while you are doing your part and conserving your energy usage, we recommend also making sure to keep yourself hydrated (water, water, water!). Dehydration sucks.

Mr. Potato Head on E. 6th Street by ianqui via Contribute.