Southern California Edison Urges Conservation as Forecasters Predict High Temperatures Will Continue

With high temperatures forecast to continue through many parts of Southern California during the next few days, Southern California Edison (SCE) urges customers to conserve power and is prepared to respond if outages occur.

SCE’s transmission system is performing well. The continuing multi-day heat wave and lightning from monsoonal conditions have caused some isolated equipment failures, leading to scattered outages in its service territory. As the heat continues, it is possible other equipment might fail because of the very high ongoing usage.

Electricity Supply

• SCE anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand this week and throughout the summer.
• However, with energy use rising over the next few days, conservation can provide an added reserve should an unexpected power emergency occur such as mechanical problems affecting a major power plant or wildfires shutting down a major transmission system.

Preparation for Outage Response

• SCE and contract crews will be available to restore service in the event of outages that may occur during the current heat wave.
• SCE’s policy is to identify outages, make repairs and restore electrical service beginning with problems creating a public hazard and customers who are left without service the longest.

Conservation Tips
Conservation is always recommended during the summer or high heat conditions to help customers reduce energy usage and lower their bills. Recommended tips include:

• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• Plasma TVs require a large amount of electricity and use almost as much power off as they do on. When practical, unplug plasma TVs.
• Shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.
• Turn off lights in unused areas.