With temperatures in the triple digits on Monday, July 17, Californians set a new record for power demand, 46,561 megawatts. That surpassed the previous record of 45,431 megawatts, set July 20, 2005, by 1,130 megawatts, roughly equal to the output of two medium power plants.
The National Weather Forecast predicted highs at 95 today in Clearlake, with increasing emperatures as the week progresses.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) reported that with the help of power users” conservation efforts, it was able to meet Monday”s peak demand. It has declared Flex Your Power NOW! watch days through today, Wednesday, July 19.
Residential and business customers are asked to reduce usage during peak hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Pacific Gas & Electric reported it was voluntarily curtailing usage at facilities throughout northern and central California and urged customers to do their part in conserving energy use.
Here are some suggestions from PG&E for conserving your use of power:
* Set air conditioning thermostats at 78 or higher;
* Cool with fans;
* Draw the drapes;
* Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances; and
* Use big appliances early in the day or later at night.
For more information on energy saving tips, visit PG&E”s Web site, at www.pge.com/foryourhome or www.pge.com/foryourbusiness; or visit www.fypower.org/.
