With temperatures expected to soar throughout the week, officials at Southern California Edison are asking customers to conserve energy to prevent strain on the power grid.
Altadena will hit triple digits this week, with highs expected to reach 101 degrees Wednesday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Lows will drop to about 79 degrees at night.
Edison, which is operating without the benefit of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, stressed that it anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand during this week's heat wave. But the utility noted that conservation can provide additional reserves that would help in the event of a power emergency.
Edison offered a series of tips to help customers cut back on power usage, including:
- Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees
- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours, and using washing machines, dishwashers and other heavy appliances only in the evening
- Close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool
- Ventilate homes at night and in the early morning to allow cool air to circulate
- Limit the opening of refrigerators
- Turn off lights in unoccupied areas
- Rely on ceiling or smaller fans to cool rooms instead of air conditioners.
