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LADWP Encourages Customers to Conserve Energy as Temps Soar Utility offers energy saving tips to stay cool while protecting the grid

LADWP Encourages Customers to Conserve Energy as Temps Soar

Utility offers energy saving tips to stay cool while protecting the grid
LOS ANGELES — As temperatures in Los Angeles rise to triple digits today through Wednesday, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) encourages its customers to save energy where possible between now and 8 p.m. and to give appliances the afternoon off.  Power demand rises as more customers operate air conditioners, and the heat requires other large appliances to work harder. By conserving, customers can help reduce the strain on the power grid and minimize the risk of power outages. Currently, less than 1,000 customers out of 1.4 million are without power citywide.  However, with significant strain on the local neighborhood grids, additional localized outages are to be expected.

Electricity demand by customers in Los Angeles is expected to peak at or above the all-time record today. As of 2 p.m. today, Los Angeles was using approximately 6,052 megawatts (MW) of energy— only 125 MW below LADWP’s highest energy demand of 6,177MW just nearly four years ago.  The peak energy demand is expected to occur at approximately 4 p.m., so a new all-time record today is likely.

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 8:00 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 by adjusting the thermostat to 78 degrees.
  • 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.
  • Unplug “energy vampires” like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when not in use.

In the event of a power outage, customers are urged to report the outage immediately by calling 1-800- DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) so that a crew can be dispatched to make repairs. When calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP, customers should choose “Report Power Outage” in the automated phone system in order to be connected right away to a live operator. 

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