New Yorkers are being asked to reduce electricity use as this week's heat wave is driving near record demand for power and already causing some outages in some neighborhoods.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says people should cut back as much as possible to take pressure off the state's power grid and help prevent outages or brownouts.
He says Thursday that experts monitoring the grid expect demand to hit record levels.
The strain knocked out electricity to dozens of residents in Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
"The air conditioner just went off," said resident Claude Abraham. "It just didn't work at all."
"It's too hot," said store owner Jamal Al-Onofi. "It's crazy in here, it feels like more than 100 degrees."
Con Edison crews were working to restore power.
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Consumers are being asked to set air conditioner thermostats no lower than 78 degrees and to turn off air conditioning when spaces aren't occupied. They're also urged to turn off any unnecessary lights and use appliances only in early morning or late at night when overall demand is generally lower.
State health officials continue to warn people about taking care to stay hydrated, eat light and avoid strenuous activity.
-- Andrew Siff contributed to this report.
