With Temperatures Soaring Once Again, O&R Prepared to Respond to Heat-Related Outages

Another heat wave will hit the region during the first half of this week, and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) crews are ready to respond to any outages or other service problems that occur as a result of high temperatures and increased humidity.

Longer, more intense heat waves and stronger summer storms are becoming more frequent, and that's why O&R's continued investments to strengthen grid reliability are more critical than ever. In 2025 alone, O&R is investing $293 million to continue improving the reliability and resilience of its electric system.

The heat and increased demand for electricity to power air conditioners can pose challenges to the electric delivery system, and, in some instances, overheating electrical equipment and resulting in scattered power outages. O&R crews are prepared to respond to any issues that arise to make repairs and restore service.

The company urges customers to use energy efficiently to stay comfortable and safe during the heat wave. O&R is providing some cool tips to help customers try to stay comfortable and save money on energy.

• Turn down or turn off air conditioning in your home while you are away or at work to help lower your energy bill.
• Set your air conditioner to the highest temperature your comfort and health will allow to help you save money.
• Close all doors and windows in your home while the air conditioning is running to make things cooler at a lower price.
• Cook, bake, or perform other household activities that produce heat and humidity during the cooler times of the day and night.
• Pull your curtains and shades closed to help block out the sun and the heat of the day.
• Take advantage of your smart meter by viewing your energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at oru.com/MyAccount.
• Consider upgrading your older thermostats and appliances to ones that are more energy efficient. Smart thermostats can control the temperature in your home from anywhere. You can find customer-exclusive savings and rebates at MyORUStore.com

If you experience a power outage, don't assume that O&R automatically knows about it. You can report it and check to see when your lights will be back on through:

• ORU.com/ReportOutage from any computer or web-based mobile device.
• O&R mobile app from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device --- download via Apple Store or Google Play
• Text messaging by texting "OUT" to 678797 (ORUPWR) or
• Call 1-877-434-4100.
  

Cooling Center Availability

If New York State officials activate cooling centers, find the latest information on locations and hours by clicking here.

For energy efficiency tips, incentives, and rebates, please click here.

About O&R
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange and Rockland Utilities) and northern New Jersey (where it's Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 140,000 customers in New York.