SCE Urges Conservation as High Temps Continue through Weekend
By Caroline Aoyagi-Stom
As high temperatures across the state continue through the weekend, in addition to active wildfires threatening power lines, Southern California Edison is urging customers to continue conserving energy to avoid possible power outages.
SCE is asking residential and business customers to conserve energy starting in the early afternoon through the late evening, which will help reduce the risk of outages. Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and reduce the use of appliances during heat waves.
For more conservation tips, residential customers can visit sce.com/tips and business customers can get more information at sce.com/energytips . As more customers take these actions, conservation will go a long way. Conserving energy will help reduce stress on the electric grid caused by the continuing heat wave and fires that are threatening power lines in some of SCE’s service area.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SCE continues to suspend service disconnections and is waiving late fees for residential and small business customers. Only critical work that is needed to protect public safety and reduce the risk of wildfires continues. Learn more at SCE.com/covid19 .
Customers can report or inquire about outages at 800-611-1911 and get the latest information using the SCE outages app at sce.com/outages . You can also get information and updates by visiting: sce.com/staysafe , twitter.com/sce and facebook.com/sce .
SCE reminds customers that if they see a downed power line, stay away and call SCE at 800-611-1911 or call 911.
Here are some other ways customers can conserve energy:
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and to 85 degrees or “off” when you are away.
- Cook with a grill outside, or microwave, to keep your home cooler.
- Give your air conditioner a rest when you can and cool your home with open windows and fans.
- Shut off lights when leaving a room.
- Close your blinds to keep out the afternoon heat.
- Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in many homes.
- Plug home electronics into power strips and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use.
- Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use. Give your dryer a break and hang-dry your clothes.
- When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work to morning or late-evening hours.
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