Though fall is here, California weather hasn’t gotten the memo — extreme heat is spreading across the state.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch across most of Southern California Edison’s service area for several continuous days. Temperatures are expected to climb into triple digits from Friday through Thursday, Oct. 8. Coastal communities are forecast to see temperatures hit the upper 90s while valley communities may experience up to 105 degrees or higher.
As temperatures increase, so do people’s use of air conditioning — giving homes, businesses and electrical equipment little opportunity to cool down. That combination can place added stress on the electric grid, which may increase the potential of heat-related outages.
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. 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.
Communications around safety are funded by ratepayers.
