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For LADWP’s COVID-19 response, visit www.ladwp.com/covid19response

LADWP Reminds Customers to Conserve Energy During Upcoming Heat Wave

LADWP Reminds Customers to Conserve Energy During Upcoming Heat Wave
LOS ANGELES — As Los Angeles braces for another hot weekend, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to stay comfortable but conserve energy where possible, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Just two weeks ago during the recent heat storm, energy demand in Los Angeles reached an all time high of 6,396 megawatts. Nearly double the service area’s power consumption on a typical day, the demand put a strain on the power grid and caused some neighborhood power outages. 

High temperatures not only lead to more people operating their air conditioners all at once, but also causes other appliances to work harder in order to perform. This stresses the electrical infrastructure and can overburden power lines, transformers and other equipment, causing them to fail. High power loads in your home can also cause your circuit breakers to shut down automatically and prevent serious equipment damage.

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, 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
  • Visit the local library, recreation center, mall, movie theater, 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 after 6:00 p.m.
  • 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.In the event of power outages, LADWP crews are ready to respond and restore power as quickly as possible. 

In the event of power outages, LADWP crews are ready to respond and restore power as quickly as possible. 

To report an outage, call 1-800- DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) so that a crew can be dispatched to make repairs. When calling, choose “Report Power Outage” in the automated phone system in order to be connected right away to a live operator. If you see a downed power line, stay away and immediately call 9-1-1. 

If outages increase significantly, updates will be posted at www.ladwpnews.com. You may also follow LADWP on Twitter @ladwp.com.