LADWP URGES CUSTOMERS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE AS TEMPERATURES HEAT UP
Hot Days Expected to Spike Energy Use; Conservation Encouraged
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges customers to use energy wisely as increasing hot temperatures forecast for today and through the week are expected to spike higher demand on the city’s power system.
The energy demand is expected to reach up to 5500 megawatts today with highs approaching 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley. Demand is forecast to be even higher Tuesday if the predicted heat wave persists.
“Any time energy demand exceeds 5000 megawatts we need to begin conserving wherever possible, while not jeopardizing anyone’s health or safety,” said David Nahai, LADWP General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. “If temperatures continue to climb as forecasted for the rest of the week, we’re likely to see even greater demand for power, increasing strain on the system as well as our generation supplies.”
Following are simple tips our customers can use to reduce their power consumption; customers can also logon 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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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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