OCTOBER 1, 2008
CUSTOMER DEMAND FOR ENERGY SETS NEW FALL RECORD
LADWP URGES ENERGY CONSERVATION AS
HOT TEMPERATURES SPIKE POWER USE
LOS ANGELES – Following Tuesday’s record-setting energy demand, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urged customers to reduce their energy use in anticipation of even warmer weather today.
On Tuesday, energy use reached a peak demand of 5,533 megawatts, marking a record demand for fall and the fifth highest September load on record. The highest load recorded for the month of September is 5,938 megawatts set on Sept. 4, 2007 during last year’s Labor Day “heat storm.” The energy demand is expected break yesterday’s record and could reach 5,550 megawatts today with highs in the 90’s in downtown and about 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley.
“We are already 10 days into the fall season and seeing abnormally high temperatures that are driving customers to use more energy in office buildings and at home,” said David Nahai, LADWP General Manager and Chief Executive Officer.
“Any time energy demand exceeds 5,000 megawatts we need to begin conserving wherever possible, while not jeopardizing anyone’s health or safety,” Nahai said. Conserving energy has multiple benefits, including reducing risk of overloading electrical equipment, benefiting the environment, and saving money on your electric bills.
“Energy conservation is simply a necessary and responsible practice,” Nahai said, adding, “There are many simple, safe and responsible ways to reduce energy use without risking your health or causing too much inconvenience.”
Following are simple tips our customers can use to reduce their power consumption; customers can also log on to LADWP.com to learn more about energy saving programs:
SIMPLE STEPS OUR CUSTOMERS CAN TAKE TO REDUCE ENERGY USE
TIPS FOR THE HOME
- Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees or more to reduce energy usage.
- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day-use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
- Try to avoid cooking during peak hours of the day since it will add to the heat inside the home.
- Ventilate your home at night and early morning by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
- Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) wherever appropriate.
- During the heat of day, close your draperies, shades, or blinds to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight and check your home for adequate insulation.
- Plant shade trees, to reduce heat gain to the house.
- Install / Use Ceiling fans or whole House fans for comfort cooling. The whole house fan will cool down your house early evenings and early mornings for a fraction of the energy cost of an A/C unit.
- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings.
- Clean or replace your air-conditioner’s filter(s) every month to keep your air-conditioner running more efficiently.
- Regularly brush or vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom or rear of your refrigerator and check door gasket for tight fit and adjust if necessary.
- Buy energy-saving “Energy Star” labeled appliances.
- Limit the time you run your pool pump: Summer (six hours a day), Winter (four hours a day)
TIPS FOR THE OFFICE
- Turning off your desk and overhead lights, and meeting room lights, if they are not needed, or install motion detectors switch for each room.
- Keep personal appliance use to minimum.
- Turn off all computer equipment when you leave the office or when they are not being used.
- Be sure your computer equipment goes into the sleep mode when not in use. (80% savings in energy use)
- Go paperless when possible. Reduced printing and copying translates into reduced energy use.
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