COPY-Thousands lose power in NYC area amid hot weather blast

NEW YORK (AP) - Utilities say says over 16,000 homes and businesses in and around New York City have lost power as the electric network grapples with one of the summer's hottest days.

Consolidated Edison was reporting over 11,000 outages on Staten Island Monday afternoon and scattered ones elsewhere. PSEG Long Island says over 5,000 customers are without electricity, mainly in Nassau County.

Spokeswomen for both utilities say crews are working on the problems.

Earlier Monday, Con Ed reduced power to 138,000 homes and businesses in Queens and Brooklyn and asked residents to conserve electricity. The utility said it reduced voltage in those areas by 8 percent to protect equipment while fixing it.

PSEG Long Island activated a voluntary plan that lets it control air-conditioning use from afar at some homes and businesses.

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