Publicly Owned Utilities Urge All Californians to Continue to Reduce Energy Use
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Section: CMUA News




When a heatwave occurs in California, it could cause a strain on statewide and regional energy supplies. During high temperatures, consumers should continue to act to help reduce the potential for rolling outages during the late afternoon and early evening.

Consumer conservation helps lower demand and avoid outages, as well as reduce the duration of an outage. Everyone should take action to shift energy use to morning and nighttime hours, and conserve as much energy as possible during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Take responsibility to reduce your energy demand. Our collective efforts will help keep the power flowing, avoid widespread outages, and protect the medically vulnerable. 
 
Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.:
  • Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits.
  • Don’t use major appliances, like the dishwasher or clothes washer/dryer.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights.
  • Close blinds and drapes.
  • Use fans when possible to keep cool.
  • DO NOT charge electric vehicles.
  • Turn off pool pumps.
Before 3 p.m. and after 9 p.m.:
  • "Pre-cool" homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
  • Charge electric vehicles.
  • Charge mobile devices and laptops.
  • Run dishwashers, clothes washer/dryer, and other major appliances.
  • Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
For more tips, visit http://www.flexalert.org/save-energy. View today’s energy supply and demand outlook on the CAISO website
 
About CMUA 
The California Municipal Utilities Association is the leading voice for California utilities, enhancing our communities. CMUA partners with community owned utilities to support reliable, sustainable, and affordable services to all Californians through advocacy, education and relationships.
 
The Association represents 72 publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies statewide. Together, CMUA members provide water service to 70 percent of Californians and electric service to 25 percent of the state. For more information about CMUA, visit www.cmua.org.