LADWP Shares Resources to Stay Safe and Stay Cool During Excessive Heat Event, Reminds Owens Valley Electric Customers What to Do During a Power Outage

BISHOP, CA (July 3, 2024) -Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Owens Valley electric crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages that may occur as the valley experiences a long stretch of hot temperatures lasting until the middle of next week.

Our Owens Valley customers can report power outages by dialing 1-800-992-8331 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and (833) 325-2397 after hours.

LADWP's top priority is the safety and well-being of its customers, employees and residents of the Owens Valley. Given that excessive heat can pose serious health risks, LADWP wants to assure its customers that their safety is paramount, and it is committed to providing reliable service and support during excessive heat events.

The National Weather Service has forecasted increased fire concerns for the area. LADWP has developed a Wildfire Mitigation Planto ensure public safety, prevention, response and recovery, during high wind or fire events. Since 2008, we have in place reliability standards for power equipment that helps mitigate wildfire risks in high-threat fire zones. In addition, we have active vegetation management and Power System Reliability Programs, both of which serve to help reduce wildfires. We activate our deenergizing protocols on a per incident basis, which means we will only de-energize our power lines in the event of a catastrophic disaster or if there is a safety threat to public communities, and LADWP personnel.

In the event that a wildfire or the threat of wildfire does occur, we will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement agencies, including local fire departments, CALFIRE and U.S. Forest Service.

LADWP also reminds customers to use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live. Do not assume a downed wire is a communication line. Never approach or touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.

Power Outages
In case of a power outage, be prepared and stay safe by following these tips:

• Report outages by calling 1-800-992-8331 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and (833) 325-2397 after hours.
• Seek a place to stay cool if temperatures are unsafe.
• Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles as a light source in a power outage or other emergency.
• Keep a fully charged cell phone or cell-phone battery pack on-hand. They come in handy when computers or "landlines" requiring a power source fail to work during a power outage.
• Leave one light switched on so you know when power has been restored. Switch off all other lights.
• Turn off and unplug electrical equipment and appliances like computers, televisions and air conditioners, and heat-producing items such as irons or hot plates. This helps to prevent circuit overloading, which could delay the restoration of service.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect their contents.
• Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, and check trusted internet and social media sources.

For additional information on outages and updates, pleaseSubscribe to LADWP in the Eastern Sierra.

Additional Resources for Customers
Staying Safe, Staying Cool
During extreme heat events, LADWP encourages customers to conserve energy, but never at the expense of their health or safety. No customer should shut off their AC because of financial concerns. LADWP has flexible payment plans, financial assistance programs including EZ-SAVEand also continues to encourage customers to enroll in the Level Pay program. Level Pay is a bill payment option that divides a customer's estimated utility bill into predictable, equal monthly amounts which allows for easy budgeting. To sign up for Level Pay, customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP and speak with a customer service representative.

Inyo County and Mono County Resources
Inyo County Office of Emergency Service's website: ready.inyocounty.us
Mono County Office of Emergency Management website: ready.mono.ca.gov

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