Baked Apple
New York, NY —
On the first day of what is expected to be several days of hot weather and high humidity, Mayor Bloomberg is urging New Yorkers to cut back on their use of air conditioners and other appliances to help lower the risk of blackouts or brownouts.
Even with temperatures reaching 98 degrees at LaGuardia Airport this afternoon, and with the heat and humidity feeling like 106 degrees in Central Park, the mayor says he expects New Yorkers to do their part.
BLOOMBERG: I walked in today, air conditioner on in City Hall, I turned it off. Come on, we're all in this together. Most people are responsible.
REPORTER: City buildings have their air conditioning thermostats set to 78 degrees. Elevator service has been cut back by 15% in city-owned buildings in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Six sewage treatment plants, and the jails on Rikers Island, are using generators for half of their electricity needs.
Private companies are reducing electrical consumption, too. The lights will be turned off on top of both the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings tonight and tomorrow night.
