Island Electric Utilities Issue ‘Peak Energy Demand’ Notice for Wednesday; Heat Advisory in Effect

The municipal electric utility in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Photo: Shorebeat)

A heat advisory was in effect for the Shore area Wednesday, with Seaside Heights’ municipal electric utility issuing a notice of a “peak energy demand” day with a request for residents to conserve power. Likewise, Lavallette officials have been asking their residents to conserve power as well.

The National Weather Service issued the heat advisory through 8 p.m. Wednesday, predicting highs in the 90s, a heat index up to 102 degrees and high levels of humidity.

“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses,” the advisory said. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

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The NWS predicts a high of 89 degrees on the barrier island and a sweltering 96 degrees on the mainland, before the heat index is factored-in.

Seaside Heights and Lavallette are two of the approximately one-dozen towns in New Jersey to operate their own electrical utilities, separate from JCP&L. Their energy is purchased directly from grid operators, however both maintain a connection to the commercial utility for power delivery and can switch as a backup. Still, emergency power comes at a higher cost.

“Please curtail electric consumption 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., as we expect the power grid to experience high energy demand,” Seaside Heights advised. “Turn off any unnecessary lights and electronics. Unplug any charging units. Postpone use of major appliances such as your electric clothes dryer or dishwasher unit until after 7 p.m., and turn your electric hot water heater to a ‘vacation setting.'”

The towns advise to temporarily raise the indoor air temperature to 77 degrees in order to limit the use of air conditioning units.

In addition to the heat advisory, the NWS has also issued a “code orange” Air Quality Alert for Wednesday. This means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases – as well as the elderly in general.

The heat is expected to ease by Thursday, with a high temperature of 83 on the island and 87 on the mainland with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.