Voltage has been reduced by 8% in parts of Westchester County as Con Edison works to protect equipment and maintain electric service.

The utility said more than 40,000 customers in White Plains, Greenburgh, Scarsdale, Eastchester and Harrison could be affected.

Crews are making repairs, and Con Edison said the voltage reduction is necessary during that work.

The company is also asking customers to continue conserving energy.

Meanwhile, other local utility companies like Orange and Rockland say customers do not need to use less energy at this time.

The company said it invested nearly $300 million this year to make its system more reliable.

Orange and Rockland is still encouraging people to save energy when they can, noting that excessive use of air conditioning can lead to power outages.

"One thing that we do encourage our customers is to definitely follow the energy conservation tips that we supply them," said Vito Signorile of Orange and Rockland. "It will pay dividends. As we hope to get out of this heat wave as soon as possible."

Other tips from the company include running appliances after sunset and keeping shades closed.