Region hot, and bracing for more from heat wave

BOSTON --Some sought shelter in air-conditioned buildings, some took a cooling swim. But others had no choice Tuesday but to grin and bear the sweltering conditions that threatened to send demand for energy to record levels as temperatures go even higher Wednesday.

"We don't have any place to hide," said Big Dig worker Tara Farnsworth, whose blue jeans, work boots and hard hat are job requirements.

People across the region were urged to conserve energy as the mercury reached the mid-90s Tuesday and was expected to top 100 in many places Wednesday. The heat wave, similar to one that blistered California last week, blanketed much of the East and Southern plains.

"Everything we can do to moderate our use of electricity will be appreciated," Gov. Mitt Romney said. "From a power standpoint, we're not facing a situation that we can't handle, but it's a good idea to do what we can to lower demand that the system is feeling right now."

ISO New England issued a "power watch" urging conservation Tuesday afternoon after minor mechanical problems at "several" of the region's 350 power plants, spokesman Kenneth McDonnell said. "These are minor problems that shouldn't affect system conditions (Wednesday)," he said. The power watch was lifted later in the evening as temperatures dropped and demand waned.

Utility officials predict record demand Wednesday as people crank air conditioners and fans. Residents are being asked to reduce demand by turning off lights and home computers, and turning up AC thermostats to 74 to 78 degrees.

Municipal pools in cities including Boston, Worcester and Lowell, as well as state-run pools, will remain open well into the evening Wednesday. Many communities have opened "cooling stations" in senior citizens centers and public schools.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino urged people to check on their neighbors "especially those who are elderly or infirmed." Romney suggested a "buddy system" for elderly people to check on one another.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will impose speed restrictions on commuter rail trains and aboveground trolleys on Wednesday once temperatures reach the mid-90s, general manager Daniel Grabauskas said.

The reason is that extreme temperatures can cause steel rails to bow or ripple, which in turn increases the risk of derailment.

The speed restrictions could mean a longer evening commute as trains that normally travel 60 mph will be limited to 40 mph.

The T will also increase visual inspections of tracks on Wednesday, he said.

"I want us to be safe," he said. "And the best advice everybody can come up with is a universal speed restriction"

Boston construction worker Art Jefferson said growing up in California didn't prepare him for this.

"It's dry heat out there," he said. "Here, it's so thick. It just fluctuates every day. It's not consistent."

At Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox made batting practice optional and the visiting Cleveland Indians canceled early afternoon batting practice sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Both teams reminded players to drink plenty of water. Team officials set up a water mister for fans and put extra medical personnel on duty.

ISO New England spokeswoman Erin O'Brien said electricity usage in the six-state region could top 28,000 megawatts Wednesday, breaking the one-day record of 27,395 megawatts set just two weeks ago. The demand was just shy of the record Tuesday, she said.

The heat-index reached 102 in the Springfield area by early afternoon, but that didn't stifle business at Sally Ampelakis' hot dog stand.

"I'm surprised this many people are outside on a day like this," said Ampelakis, who expected to sell as many as 100 bottles of water by the time she closed her stand at 3 p.m.

But many of her customers seemed unfazed by Tuesday's high temperatures.

"I'm from Puerto Rico, so I'm used to the heat," said Jesse Lozada, a 24-year-old who has lived in Springfield for about 17 years. Dressed in work boots and a long-sleeved shirt buttoned around his wrists, Lozada didn't even break a sweat as he washed down his hot dog with a swig of orange soda that was quickly warming up.

"When it gets over 115, I get hot," he said.