LOS ANGELES (July 5, 2018) — As Los Angeles looks ahead to one of our first heat waves this summer, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges customers to save energy where possible while staying safe during the afternoon and early evening when power use is at its highest.
Power System officials said LADWP has adequate resources to meet higher power demand during the next few days when the temperatures heat up and electrical equipment works harder. Over the last three summers, the average energy use has peaked at 4,350 megawatts (MW), compared to an average daily peak of 3,555 MW throughout the year. LADWP’s record peak demand of 6,502 MW was reached on August 31, 2017 at 4:15 p.m.
“As we prepare ourselves for extreme weather conditions, we remind our customers to conserve electricity, when possible, while staying safe,” said Martin Adams, LADWP Chief Operating Officer. “Conserving energy not only can help manage your costs, but it also reduces potential strains on our power grid, which can be caused by overworked air conditioners and other appliances.”
To help conserve energy, LADWP recommends the following:
- Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
- Reduce power use during the afternoon/early evening hours from
2:00 – 9:00 p.m., when energy use is highest. - Visit the local library, recreation center, mall, movie theaters, or any other air conditioned gathering place to give your air conditioner a rest.
- Limit use of major appliances during peak hours of the day–use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during the early morning hours or during evening hours.
- Close window curtains, shades or blinds during the heat of the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight through windows.
- Ventilate the home in the early morning and evening by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
- Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when they are not in use.
- Unplug “energy vampires” like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when not in use.
LADWP crews are always at the ready to respond to any power outages. To report any loss of power, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP. If and when an incident occurs, our crews are hard at work to restore said power incidents to affected customers as quickly and safely as possible.
For more energy-saving tips, visit www.ladwp.com/save
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