Utility urges power cuts as blackouts affect Lima

8/4/2005

LIMA, Ohio Some homes and businesses on Lima s west side experienced rolling blackouts yesterday as American Electric Power Ohio worked to install a new mobile transformer at the Eastown station.

AEP Ohio installed a temporary mobile transformer at the site Friday, but it broke down Tuesday night.

The company yesterday asked customers in western Lima to reduce electric usage as much as possible.

The company urged customers to avoid using appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and ranges, to turn off unnecessary lighting, and, if possible and at no risk to a person s health, turn off or raise the temperature settings of air conditioning.

The Allen County chapter of the American Red Cross opened its air-conditioned building on South Collett Street until 10 p.m. yesterday to residents who needed to get out of the heat.