Mr Christie said the utility was asking customers to help manage demand by reducing their electricity consumption, particularly their use of air conditioning. He also urged larger customers and government entities to reduce the pressure they place on the system. A transformer overload in Palmdale disrupted electricity to businesses and nearby homes on Friday, with Mr Christie warning that repairs could take some time. Witnesses said the transformer smoked, caught fire and later exploded before firefighters extinguished the blaze after BPL disconnected the power. One nearby business continued operating with a generator, but other businesses without backup electricity were forced to close.