from Southern California Edison

With high temperatures forecast in many parts of Southern California today and throughout the week, Southern California Edison (SCE) is urging customers to conserve power. 

SCE anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand. But with energy use rising during extreme heat conditions, 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. Conservation also helps minimize the impact on the distribution system when customers use energy around-the-clock. 

Conservation helps customers keep their bills lower during high temperatures — bills can increase up to 30 percent for residential customers who use air conditioning. Conservation also helps reduce stress on the overall electrical system. 

SCE recommends that customers: 

• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. 
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical. 
• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• 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. 

SCE recommends customers try to stay as cool as possible during the heat. 

Keep outdoor activities to a minimum, and drink a lot of water during the hottest parts of the day. 

During a power outage, turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. 

Open the refrigerator and freezer only when necessary to keep the food cold. 

Low-income and medically sensitive customers can take advantage of “Cool Centers,” which are operated by local governments and community-based organizations. A list of locations can be found at www.sce.com/coolcenters

SCE recommends customers follow these safety tips if a power outage occurs: 

• Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard. 
• Never attempt to move or go near a downed power line. Call 911 to report the situation. 
• Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a back-up power source, or make arrangements to relocate. 

For updates, follow SCE on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SCE and on Facebook a twww.facebook.com/socaledison