With triple digit temperatures expected again today in parts of L.A., the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) asks customers to conserve energy use where possible, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. today, while staying safe.
A statewide Flex Alert has been issued for tomorrow by the California Independent System Operator (CAL ISO) and electricity conservation is encouraged today. LADWP joins CAL ISO in this call, asking customers for conservation to prevent overtaxing the electrical infrastructure that serves Los Angeles around the clock daily.
Energy demand in Los Angeles is expected to reach near record usage—about 5900 megawatts—as the heat wave reaches its peak intensity between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. LADWP’s all-time high energy demand was 6177 megawatts, recorded on September 27, 2010.
Heat-Related Power Outages
Despite the high temperatures, the LADWP system has functioned well and power outages have been minimal, however hot weather can lead to outages- and for a variety of reasons. The 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. This puts strain and stress on electrical infrastructure and can overburden power lines, transformers and other equipment, causing them to fail. It can also trigger substation circuit breakers or other electrical equipment that is designed to protect the system to shut down automatically before serious damage occurs.
To learn more about LADWP's power supply, load demand and heat-related outages, please click here.
Energy Conservation Tips
To help reduce energy use, LADWP recommends the following as 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.
LADWP offers these tips to help conserve energy and stay cool at home and in the workplace.
Beat the Heat
During periods of extreme heat, selected City facilities will extend their hours to provide additional relief from the heat. The following facilities will be open until 9:00 p.m.
Canoga Senior Citizen Center
7326 Jordan Ave.
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 340-2633
Sepulveda Recreation Center
8801 Kester Ave.
Panorama City, CA 91402
(818) 893-3700
North Hollywood Recreation Center
11430 Chandler Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 763-7651
Sylmar Recreation Center
13109 Borden Ave.
Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 367-5656
Sunland Senior Citizen Center
8640 Fenwick St.
Sunland, CA 91040
(818) 353-9571
Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center
5060 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 981-1284
The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) recommends the following during periods of extreme heat, to avoid heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunstroke:
- Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, when in the sun and use sunscreen.
- Avoid unnecessary physical exertion if you are outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
- Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
- Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
- Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool.
For updates and the latest news from EMD, visit their online newsroom.
For more heat wave preparedness tips, visit readyla.org, LA’s official readiness, response and recovery website.
In Case of Power Outage
LADWP has an excellent record of reliable power service. Nonetheless, extreme weather like heat introduces increased risk of power service interruptions.
If you have a power outage, please follow these tips:
- Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) to report an outage and also for updates on anticipated service restorations.
- Stay calm.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances and electronic equipment that were in use when the outage began.
- Leave a light or lamp turned on to serve as an alert when service is restored.
- Leave refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep contents as fresh as possible.
- Have a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
More Information
For more information, please visit www.ladwp.com.
For the latest news about LADWP, please visit www.ladwpnews.com.
Follow the Department on Twitter: @LADWP.
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