Scorching temperatures and high humidity are taking a toll on the state’s grid.

With extreme heat affecting New York and temperatures expected to remain high through the week, consumer demand on the electric system is rising as homes and businesses rely more heavily on air conditioning. High temperatures, elevated humidity, and sustained air conditioning load can place added pressure on generation and transmission resources across the state.

As of Wednesday, the forecasted baseline peak demand during the heatwave is as follows:

• Wednesday: 29,970 MW

• Thursday: 32,410 MW

• Friday: 30,680 MW

• Saturday: 28,250 MW

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the mix for the grid included: 42% dual and fossil fuels; 24% natural gas; 13% nuclear; 13% hydropower; 4% wind; 3% other, including solar; with 2% other fossil fuels.

In advance of Thursday’s high temperatures and forecasted demand, NYISO suggests conserving power, if safe to do so, by raising air-conditioning thermostats and postponing unnecessary use of major appliances until demand on the electric system eases.

During extreme heat advisories and potential energy shortages, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) actively manages the power grid through a tiered alert system and various grid-reliability measures. The NYISO’s System Conditions page can be viewed at www.nyiso.com/system-conditions.

The NYISO may issue grid alerts if energy reserve margins drop below specified levels. These alerts are designed to raise awareness about grid conditions and inform the public if electricity conservation is necessary.

In July 2013, New York recorded a record peak of 33,956 MW at the end of a week-long heat wave. Peak demand is a measurement of the average total electric demand by consumers for a one-hour period.

NYISO operates the bulk electric system under the nation’s strictest reliability standards. System reliability requirements are established, maintained, and enforced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, and the New York State Reliability Council.