Power Companies Issue Warnings As US Heatwave Intensifies

Power companies were today urging customers to turn down their air conditioners to prevent devastating stress on the nation’s power grid.

The call comes as Americans braced themselves for more blistering weather, with temperatures expected to peak in the Midwest today and on the East coast this weekend.

The sweltering conditions, which have killed at least 22 so far, are expected to make Thursday and Friday hotter than any time since 1950.

Philadelphia may break a 1957 record of 100 degrees on Friday, while Washington, D.C., is expected to reach 103 – tying a record from 1926.

Texas and the southern Plains states will also extend their long streak of hot weather.

Utilities in the Washington-Baltimore region are urging customers to conserve energy as a heat wave approaches and Americans continue to swelter in pressure cooker conditions.

Officials advise closing curtains and blinds to keep homes cooler and setting thermostats at 78 or higher if health conditions allow.

Pepco and Baltimore Gas & Electric say the region’s power supply is expected to be enough to meet demand.

They also advise delaying the use of major appliances until temperatures begin to drop in the evening.

Uh oh. You know what hot weather means in the hood, right? “Be cool, boppers…”

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