With possible record heat in the forecast over the coming week, Department of Water and Power officials Thursday urged customers to reduce their energy use and get ready for possible — although unlikely — power outages.
“During times of extreme heat, we strongly encourage customers to conserve electricity as long as it does not jeopardize their health,” DWP General Manager Marcie Edwards said. “Doing simple things such as turning up your thermostat to 78 degrees and turning off your lights will save electricity use and reduce the risk of outages.”
DWP officials noted that outages can occur during episodes of high heat when residents and businesses crank up their air conditioners at the same time. According to the utility, conservation is particularly essential from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The utility recommended that customers save energy by:
— turning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher;
— turning off unnecessary lights;
— adjusting water heaters to 120 degrees;
— using major appliances only late in the evening or early in the morning; and
— turning off pool pumps.
Residents were also urged to prepare for possible power outages by having flashlights and batteries readily available and keeping a battery- operated radio handy. DWP officials also recommended that people keep a phone charger in a car to ensure they can contact friends or relatives during an outage, keep a supply of non-perishable food and have a cooler available to use for food that needs to be refrigerated.
—Staff and wire reports