PASADENA, Calif.—With more air conditioners running at full capacity and for longer hours during this week’s heat wave, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is urging customers to help reduce strain on the city’s electric grid by being extra vigilant about energy conservation.
Extreme load on the local grid does put stress on system infrastructure, which can potentially lead to equipment damage or even power outages.
“A spike in load from air conditioning can put excessive strain on a utility’s power distribution system if it isn’t offset by energy savings elsewhere,” said PWP General Manager Phyllis Currie. “More than just saving money on this month’s bill, customers who conserve in these next few days are protecting their investment in their utility’s infrastructure.”
While PWP’s power supply forecast is currently projected to meet demand, the California Independent System Operator (CAL ISO) will issue a Flex Alert tomorrow through Sunday, August 12, urging all Californians to conserve energy, www.caiso.com/Documents/CaliforniaISO-DeclaresFlex-AlertStatewide.pdf.
PWP is asking that all customers set their thermostats to no lower than 78 degrees, the temperature setting also recommended by CAL ISO’s Flex Your Power program, www.fypower.org. Take simple steps to prevent air conditioners from overworking such as closing blinds and drapes to block out direct heat, shutting entry doors while ACs are running, and replacing old, dirty AC filters. Fans are a good energy-efficient alternative for staying cool.
PWP also offers these common sense year-round tips for energy conservation, which are even more critical during triple-digit temperatures:
Use major appliances in the early morning or after 7 p.m., when energy demand is lower.
Turn off lights, air conditioners, computers, TVs and other electronics when not in use.
Set the refrigerator to 37 degrees, clean coils regularly and unplug unused secondary fridges.
Pasadena Water and Power customers can find dozens of rebate incentives on energy-efficient products for both home and workplace at www.PWPweb.com/Rebates.
Pasadena Water and Power customers with any power emergencies should call (626) 744-4673. For water-related emergencies, call (626) 744-4138.
For more information about the City of Pasadena, go to www.cityofpasadena.net.