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Utility crews work in extreme heat to keep lights on

Utility companies said this time of year is when the grid gets tested and peak use of electricity could cause a temporary outage.

CONNECTICUT, USA — While seniors and kids are told to stay inside during the extreme heat, some people have no choice but to work outdoors.

That goes for utility crews whose job is to keep the lights on when the power grid gets strained.

“It’s not very pleasant but we try to find shade, take breaks, and drink water,” Anthony Marciano with Eversource said.

Utility companies said this time of year is when the grid gets tested and peak use of electricity could cause a temporary outage.

“When it gets hotter, everyone turns the air conditioner on so there's a lot more current flowing than there normally is, so things start blowing up weak points are found. Same thing with extreme colds,” Marciano said.

That’s why many Eversource workers are maintaining power lines in 95 degree conditions, so that they are in position and ready to respond whenever problems arise.

“You try to go up there, take your time, gets too hot, you know come down for a minute, drink some water up in the shade,” Richard Scherer, an Eversource Lineman, said.

To prevent stress on the power grid, utility experts recommend setting thermostats at 78 degrees and lowering shades to keep homes cool.

Also, homeowners are advised to wait to use large appliances like washers and dryers until later in the day, past peak period.

RELATED: Utility companies ask customers to conserve energy to prevent outages during heat wave

RELATED: Keeping cool in the extreme heat: the show goes on for CT businesses used to the hot temps

Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor/reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her onFacebookX and Instagram.

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