In an effort to stave off potential power outages now that we are further into the heatwave forecast for this week, the California Independent System Operator Corporation or CAISO has issued a statewide Flex Alert calling on all power customers to save energy on today, Tuesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. LADWP echoes the call to conserve and urges customers to stay safe and help protect the power grid.
“When temperatures begin to rise, we can all work together to reduce energy demand. Small efforts by each customer to reduce electricity use really add up and help protect the grid,” said David H. Wright, LADWP General Manager. “We encourage our customers to be prepared and follow simple steps to conserve and lighten the load on electric distribution equipment.”
Many businesses and residents of the Larchmont area and Koreatown were out of power for several days during the last heat wave. LADWP officials told the Buzz residents can help conserve energy in the following ways:
- Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
- Reduce power use during the afternoon/early evening hours from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m., when energy use is highest.
- Visit the local library, recreation center, mall, movie theaters, or any other air conditioned gathering place to give your air conditioner a rest.
- 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 during evening hours.
- 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.
- LADWP crews are ready to respond to any power outages and will work as quickly and as safely as possible to restore power to our customers. Currently, they are working on permanent repairs from the last heat storm, and are implementing power system improvements as part of LADWP’ Power System Reliability Plan. They will be immediately available to handle outages if and when they occur.
LADWP is also working to improve communications with customers during the heat wave. Additional customer service representatives have been added and staff is monitoring outages closely and sharing information and replying on social media throughout the heat wave.
Should an outage occur, customers should report it by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). To check on the status of repairs, visit our power outage webpage at www.ladwp.com/outages. Customers can also check information on our news page at www.ladwpnews.com and on Twitter: @LADWP and NextDoor.com for updates
In case of a power outage, here are some valuable tips for all customers on how to be ready and what to do:
- Stay calm.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Never touch a downed or dangling wire and call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
- Keep a fully charged cell phone on-hand. During power outages, you may lose phone service and your cordless “land line” phone may also lose power.
- Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power service has been restored.
- Turn off and unplug electrical equipment and appliances like computers, stereos, televisions and air conditioners, and heat-producing items such as irons or hot plates. This helps to prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to protect their contents.
