San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the California Independent System Operator Corp. (ISO), and the California Energy Commission recently announced that sufficient electricity supplies are available to meet regional energy needs this summer. Customers, however, may be called to conserve in the event of an unexpected power emergency, such as much hotter than expected weather or the unplanned loss of a power plant or transmission line.
“Our mission is to ensure safe and reliable energy to our nearly 3.4 million customers,” said Steven D. Davis, president and chief operating officer for SDG&E. “As the weather continues to warm, energy demand increases due to more air conditioning use. Despite having adequate electric resources to meet that demand, conditions may change anytime due to unexpected situations that may require our customers to conserve.”
“The ISO’s recent assessment of summer conditions show we have adequate electricity resources to meet California’s needs this summer, even with the severe drought and high demand expected over this warm summer,” said Steve Berberich, ISO’s president and chief executive officer. “The ISO is committed to a reliable grid, and we will keep a close watch on the system, especially in Southern California where fires, high demand and transmission congestion can present challenges. Consumers also play a vital role in keeping the system reliable by voluntarily conserving power when a Flex Alert is called.”
“While recent summers have delivered relatively mild weather, active collaboration between California’s energy agencies, SDG&E, Southern California Edison and the California Independent System Operator has ensured adequate electricity supply for what may be warmer temperatures ahead,” said Drew Bohan, chief deputy director of the California Energy Commission. “We need residents and businesses to play their part by conserving energy and water, especially when Flex Alerts are issued as a way to help maintain service reliability during short and prolonged heat waves.”
SDG&E recommends these tips to save on energy use and costs especially during the summer:
·      Adjust your thermostat. Set it to 78F for summer AC.
·      Use smart strips or unplug items when not in use.
·      Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LEDs.
·      Use motion sensors on outdoor lighting to save up to 50 percent of lighting costs.
·      Seal and insulate your home to keep the cool air in during summer.
·      Lower your water temperature or try a cold water wash with clothes, especially if you have an electric water heater.
·      Change out a single speed pool pump to a variable speed one.