You know it's summer in SoCal when you don't even need to check the forecast to know your air conditioner will be working overtime.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning across most of Southern California Edison’s service area. Temperatures are expected to climb into triple digits from Tuesday through Thursday.
The hottest conditions are expected Wednesday, when temperatures in many communities could reach 95 to 105 degrees or higher. Forecasters are also warning that overnight temperatures may remain unusually warm, giving homes, businesses and electrical equipment little opportunity to cool down.
As people collectively crank their AC to beat the heat, the extra strain on equipment could lead to potential outages. That's why SCE crews are keeping a close eye on conditions and are ready to help restore power as safely and quickly as possible should customers experience any heat-related outages.
The extreme heat paired with elevated winds also creates the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread quickly. In these situations, SCE may temporarily turn off power to specific areas — activating Public Safety Power Shutoffs — to help keep communities safe and reduce the risk of electrical equipment becoming the source of ignition.
Once winds have calmed, crews work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power. To do that, they must physically patrol the entire circuit to make sure there are no safety hazards before restoring power.
Tips to save energy and stay cool:
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and to 85 degrees or “off” when you are away.
- Businesses should shift power-intensive work to the morning or late-evening hours, when possible.
- 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.
- Plug home electronics into power strips and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use.
- Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use.
- Give your dryer a break and hang dry your clothes.
- Cook with a grill outside or microwave to keep your home cooler.
- Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
Customers can check the latest outage information at sce.com/outages.
Communications around safety are funded by ratepayers.
