While most of the United States is still reeling from a frosty start to February, California is gearing up for near record-breaking heat.
In true SoCal fashion, we seem to have sidestepped the brunt of the winter season and went straight to summer — at least in the short term.
Temperatures began to climb over the weekend and will peak on Wednesday, reaching mid- to high-80s in parts of Southern California Edison’s service area, which would be 15-22 degrees above normal.
While Californians are known for being able to handle the heat, this uptick in temperature often leads to an increase in electricity demand, due to extra air conditioner use.
SCE crews are monitoring the temperatures and are ready to respond if heat-related outages occur.
Customers can check the latest outage information at sce.com/outages.
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.
Bill savings programs:
- Summer Discount Plan allows SCE to install a free, remote-controlled device on your air-conditioning unit that cycles the AC on and off during high-demand periods to help conserve energy.
- The Smart Energy Program is for customers with a smart thermostat. SCE will adjust the temperature during periods of high demand by up to four degrees to help conserve energy. You can override the change at any time.
- Time-of-Use rate plans help you manage energy use and save. Instead of paying a flat rate, you’re charged based on when you use electricity and how much. Off-peak hours — such as mornings, late evenings and weekends — offer lower rates.
- Energy Savings Assistance program helps reduce energy consumption through a range of energy-saving home improvements at no cost to income-eligible customers.
- Income-qualified programs such as the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) can shave 32.5% or 18% off your monthly bill, respectively.
