09/09/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/09/2024 07:07
With Southern California in the midst of record high temperatures that have continued for multiple days, electrical equipment is straining from the high demand, mostly due to all-day air conditioning, with little down time to cool and recover.
Southern California Edison is encouraging customers to conserve energy, where possible, to help avoid possible outages caused by the continuous extreme heat.
"The electric grid has been performing well, but we are now in day four of extreme high temperatures. Equipment has been running without much of a break due to the high demand from our customers," said Tom Jacobus, SCE principal manager of Business Resiliency. "One way to help reduce strain on the grid is for all of us to conserve energy by setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and running major appliances after 9 pm."
Temperatures will remain 10 to 20 degrees above average through Monday. The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and excessive heat warnings for portions of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Imperial and San Bernardino counties through 10 p.m. on Monday. Temperatures of up to 114 degrees are possible in some areas. Starting on Tuesday, areas may begin to see cooler temperatures.
Customers are encouraged to set thermostats at 78 degrees when at home, use blinds and disconnect devices that are not being used. SCE customers can also access rebates, programs and other energy-saving tools at energy-saving tips. Customers can check the latest outage information.
SCE customers can get the latest information using the outages app at sce.com/outages. Various counties have cooling centers and you can also get information and updates by visiting: sce.com/staysafe. If customers see a downed power line, stay away and call 911 or SCE at 800-611-1911.
Here are some other ways customers can conserve energy:
For more information, visit: energy-saving tips.