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Energy Conservation Alert LADWP Urges Giving Appliances the Afternoon Off during Heat Wave

Energy Conservation Alert

LADWP Urges Giving Appliances
the Afternoon Off during Heat Wave
LOS ANGELES — As weather forecasts predict excessive heat beginning today through Friday in parts of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges customers to conserve energy use where possible, while not jeopardizing their health or the health of their pets.

“During times of extreme heat, we strongly encourage customers to conserve energy while they try to stay comfortable,” General Manager Marcie Edwards said. “Give your appliances the afternoon off, and do vacuuming, laundry, and run dishwashers and other appliances after 6:00 p.m. when it cools down outside. Also, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or give it a rest if your health permits.”

Energy demand in Los Angeles this week is expected to hit new records for the year. The highest demand so far this year – 5,879 megawatts – was set on August 28, while the all-time peak power demand was 6,396 megawatts, reached on September 16, 2014. For a typical September weekday, the average power demand is about 4,700 megawatts.

“Reducing energy use can help customers save costs and prevent outages that can occur if power system equipment heats up and becomes overloaded,” Edwards said. LADWP crews are on alert and prepared to respond to heat related outages if they do occur.

For those who are home during the day and either don’t have air conditioning or don’t want to use it, LADWP recommends visiting malls, libraries, and other public places that have air conditioning.

The most effective time to save energy is between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. when energy use is typically the highest. Extreme heat not only leads to more people operating their air conditioners all at once but also causes other appliances to work harder in order to perform, which increases the strain on power equipment.

Following is a list of simple and highly effective conservation measures:

  • Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
  • Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day- use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
  • Close draperies, shades or blinds during the heat of the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight.
  • Ventilate your home 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.
  • Unplug “energy vampires” like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode.

More information on energy-saving tips and energy saving programs is available at www.ladwp.com/EEtips.

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