Latest Blackouts Blamed On High Heat
WARREN (WWJ) - A spokesman for DTE Energy says they've restored power to almost everyone who was affected by Monday's severe storms, but now they have another problem on their hands.
Now, they are dealing with thousands of new power outages across Metro Detroit, due to this week's high temperatures.
"The hot weather in and of itself is taxing on the actual system. That combined with the high number of customers that are using, the high usage of the system. So that's also taxing it as well," said DTE spokesman Alejandro Bodipo-Memba.
Bodipo-Memba says there are ways people can help, such as raising their thermostats to 80 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature. Also, deferring use of appliances such as washers and dryers and dishwashers until after 9 p.m..
"You should always try and keep all lights off that are unnecessary, whenever you can. Drawing blinds and shades or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day is always a good way of trying to stay cool as well," he said.
About 35,000 homes and businesses were without power as of 10 p.m., Wednesday. Bodipo-Memba said they hope to have many back on the grid later Wednesday evening, but he expects more outages as the stretch of hot weather continues.
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect in Southeast Michigan until 10 p.m. Thursday. For the latest forecast, stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. - Visit our weather page -
