United Illuminating Prepared to Meet Customer Needs During Heat Wave This Week
ORANGE, Conn., – June 28, 2021 – United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc., has taken measures to prepare the electric grid for the increased customer usage expected during this week’s heat wave.
“UI is well-prepared to meet the needs of customers during this heat wave,” said Patricia Nilsen, Director of Emergency Preparedness UI. “We have worked to ensure that the electric system is prepared to handle the increased demand and we are carefully monitoring both the grid and the weather.”
Among the actions taken, non-emergency repairs and construction have been postponed so that needed power lines are available and in-service to meet customer demand. UI, in conjunction with ISO-New England, will continue to monitor the electric system around-the-clock in the coming days as the warm weather continues.
- In addition to preparing the electric system for the weather ahead, UI offers hot-weather conservation and safety tips, including:
- Close curtains or shades during daylight hours to reduce penetration of heat into the home.
- Make sure air-conditioner filters are clean and debris has been removed.
- Turn off air conditioners when leaving home for extended periods of time.
- Set your thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature if health permits.
- Whenever possible, delay using major appliances such as pool pumps, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers until after 8 p.m.
- Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
For information on cooling centers located across the state, please click here.
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About UI: The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,600 miles of electric distribution lines and 138 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 341,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award in 2019 and 2021. For more information, visit www.uinet.com.
About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $38 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies – a list of America’s best corporate citizens – and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.