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National Grid is planning service outages in Bethlehem today as part of efforts to upgrade electrical lines and install new transformers. This follows three nights of outages during a recent heat wave. The work, which started during the week of June 30, is expected to continue through the week of July 7. According to Times Union, these upgrades aim to help the electrical system handle increased energy demand after at least 1,000 residents experienced outages during the heat wave.
The outages, which are expected to last less than an hour, will occur while new equipment is installed. National Grid will notify affected customers before any outages take place. The upgrades are a temporary solution to the increased stress on the electrical system, which has been exacerbated by extreme weather and higher energy use from air conditioners. News10 ABC reported that the outages during the heat wave were due to equipment failure and strain on the power grid.
Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven stated that repairs are being made to a transformer near Kenwood and Elsmere avenues. National Grid plans to present a proposal to rebuild the substation near Elsmere Avenue to support the system's ability to handle electrical demand issues in the long term. The company will present this proposal to the town in July or August.