Just in time for the excessive heat warning to end, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams on Thursday ordered city government agencies to reduce their energy consumption, and asked businesses and residents to do the same.
Citing a fear of widespread power outages, Williams ordered all D.C. government thermostats raised by one degree.
“I hope that the private sector, the federal government and local residents will follow suit,” Williams said in a statement. “The city’s response to this heat emergency has been outstanding, but we can do more. It’s essential that we conserve power to prevent broader power losses.”
The temperature reached 100 degrees Thursday at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, though the high temperature today is forecast to be a slightly more comfortable 92 as a cold front marches through the area.
As of Thursday afternoon, Pepco reported roughly 900 power outages in Washington, and less than 100 in both Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Dominion reported 362 outages in Northern Virginia as of 4:45 p.m.
Alan Etter, D.C. fire department spokesman, said there had been a few heat-related calls Thursday, but “nothing that I would characterize as severe.”
D.C. residents aren’t the only ones sweating it out this week — their pets are broiling, too. Local officials say citizens have been monitoring streets and hot cars for animals.
The Montgomery County Humane Society has “received calls from concerned residents” about dogs in danger and has rescued several in recent days, spokeswoman Ashley Owens said. The society shelters approximately 10,000 animals yearly.
