The heat prompted Department of Water and Power customers to set a record today for peak energy demand, 6,196 megawatts, the department announced.
The previous record was 6,177 megawatts set on Sept. 27, 2010. The peak demand was nearly double the amount of energy demand experienced on a typical day in Los Angeles, according to General Manager Marcie Edwards.
Another record is expected for today, Edwards said.
The DWP is urging customers to save energy wherever possible, including not using large appliances today. With significant strain on the local neighborhood grids, additional localized outages are to be expected and can be prevented through simple steps to conserve, Edwards said.
“Under these extreme conditions, our system is holding up quite well, but we urge our customers to continue to conserve to reduce strain on the grid,” Edwards said.
“Conserving electricity can help prevent a local power outage if you take simple steps like setting your thermostat to 78 degrees, turning off pool pumps and giving your appliances the day off tomorrow,” Edwards said.
To help conserve energy, the department recommends the following:
— Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day, 11 a.m. through 8 p.m., when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool;
— Visit the nearest library, recreation center, mall, movie theater or any other air-conditioned gathering place to give your air conditioner a rest by adjusting the thermostat to 78 degrees;
— Limit use of major appliances during peak hours of the day — use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during the early morning hours or after 6 p.m.;
— Close window curtains, shades or blinds during the heat of the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight through windows;
— Ventilate the home in the early morning and evening by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate;
— Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when they are not in use; and
— Unplug “energy vampires” like cellphone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when not in use.
