Energy companies are reminding residents to conserve energy as
summer nears and the days heat up.
The California Independent System Operator, which manages the
state’s power grid, is predicting an adequate supply of energy for
the summer, but is still asking consumers to do what they can to
reduce the demand for energy when reserves get tight.
Hollister – Energy companies are reminding residents to conserve energy as summer nears and the days heat up.
The California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid, is predicting an adequate supply of energy for the summer, but is still asking consumers to do what they can to reduce the demand for energy when reserves get tight.
During tight supplies or power emergencies – which can occur during extended periods of extremely hot weather, wildfires, transmission failures or unplanned outages – the ISO will declare a “Flex Your Power Now” event. At that time, consumers are asked to cut their usage to prevent outages.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company launched its 20/20 Summer Savings Program Wednesday. If residential, small business and agricultural customers cut their electricity usage compared to last year by 20 percent between June 1 and Sept. 30, they will receive a 20 percent credit on their October bill. Customers can check their progress on each month’s bill. To qualify, customers must have lived at their current residence since last June and be electricity customers.
Last summer, Californians set new peak demand records seven times, reaching a record 45,497 megawatts on Sept. 8. The previous record was set in 1999.
Consumers are expected to set a new record this summer. With typical summer conditions, the ISO estimates a surplus of 3,382 megawatts system-wide, but during a heat wave, the system could see an 800-megawatt deficiency.
“Conserving power can be as easy as setting your air conditioning thermostat a few degrees higher, turning off unneeded lights and appliances, and postponing the discretionary use of electricity until after the peak demand is over,” said Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, vice chair of the energy commission, said in a statement.
Summer power use is greatest between noon and 6pm, and often peaks between 3 and 6pm.
For additional conservation ideas, visit www.fypower.org or www.caiso.com
