ComEd urges Chicago residents to cut power amid heat wave

A dangerous and prolonged heat wave has pushed Chicago's power grid to a critical level, prompting the local utility to issue an urgent call for energy conservation to prevent widespread outages. The situation developed on Wednesday, July 1, as an Extreme Heat Warning continued for a third consecutive day across northern Illinois, with air temperatures in the mid-90s and heat index values soaring between 105 and 110 degrees.

ComEd, the regional electric utility, stated that extreme heat was straining equipment in the western suburbs and parts of Chicago. The company asked all customers in affected areas to reduce electricity use immediately, especially between noon and 8 p.m., when demand is highest. While no outages had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon, ComEd warned that immediate action was needed to keep the grid stable. The utility advised residents to raise thermostats by four degrees, close windows and blinds, unplug unused electronics, and delay using major appliances until evening.

The grid strain is a direct result of a persistent and oppressive heat dome. The National Weather Service's Extreme Heat Warning for Cook County, which includes Chicago, has been...