SANTA ROSA
The heat is on, again; PG&E prepared to help keep customers cool
As another warming trend builds over California with some areas forecasted to hit triple digits this weekend, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is prepared to meet increased electricity demand with new energy supply, and programs offering customers incentives for adjusting energy use to help reduce demand.
Significant energy supply has been brought online in the last few years, including battery storage that enhances overall grid reliability, integrates renewable energy, and helps reduce customer costs. In August of 2020, PG&E had just 6.5 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage connected to the power grid. By September this year, it expects to have 1,700 MW online, or enough to meet the instantaneous demand of 1.2 million homes at once. PG&E has contracts for battery energy storage systems totaling more than 3,000 MW to be deployed over the next few years.
PG&E also is modifying and expanding existing Demand Response (DR) programs which help reduce energy demand. These programs offer financial incentives for residential and business customers who reduce their energy use during peak demand times. PG&E finds it can reduce energy demand on the grid by up to 900 MW, or the equivalent instantaneous demand of approximately 650,000 homes, through its load management programs and contracts, when large numbers of customers participate.
Boost from more hydroelectric power
Californians can count on more hydroelectric power this summer. According to the California Department of Water Resources, many parts of the state received precipitation levels this year that were 100 to over 200% of average. The state also had the largest snowpack since 1983. Storage in PG&E’s 16 largest reservoirs is approximately 109% of average for this time of year.
PG&E expects to have adequate hydropower to help meet peak summer demand periods. Hydropower is a cost-effective form of power generation, especially in wet years. An abundance of hydropower this year will help offset some of the need for other higher cost generation.
Customers can support the grid, save energy and money
Throughout the summer months, PG&E is sharing information with its customers about how they can take action to help reduce energy demand during hot, summer days when energy demand rises.
A few simple steps customers can consider:
- Put off energy-intensive chores like washing dishes and laundry until off-peak hours, before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m. every day.
- Install and use a programable thermostat. These devices allow you to cool your home during times when energy is less in demand and less expensive.
- Sign up for CAISO Flex Alerts which are calls for conservation during peak energy demand hours.
- Enroll in the Power Saver Rewards Program for residential customers. Over 1.6 million customers are enrolled in the free program, which rewards customers for temporarily reducing energy use when the CAISO calls a Flex Alert. Customers earn $2 for each kilowatt-hour of energy saved. Last year, approximately 60 MW were saved during each event, and PG&E customers received over $55 million in bill credits.
For more information and easy ways to save this summer go to www.PG&E.com.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Photography contest hosted by Shakespeare at the Lake’s production team
If you’re searching for a way to support local community theater and make a little money at the same time, look no further. The 8th annual Shakespeare at the Lake is just around the corner, and the production team is hosting a photography contest! The rules are simple. Attend one (or more) of our free performances, take some amazing pictures of the show, and then post them to the Shakespeare at the Lake Facebook page. Free performances of this year’s play, “Measure for Measure,” will take place July 29 and July 30 at Library Park in Lakeport, and August 4, 5, and 6 at Austin Park in Clearlake. Photos must be posted by August 8 at 11:59 pm. The photos that get the most reactions on our Facebook page will win! Voting closes on August 12 at 11:59 p.m. Three photographers will be awarded prize money. First place will receive $150, second place $100, and third place $50. The photography contest is sponsored by the Clear Lake Campground.
Actors will take the stage at 7 p.m., but don’t miss pre-show entertainment featuring string quartet, “Faire Measure,” at 6 p.m. Food and drink from some of your favorite local vendors will also be available an hour before the play begins.
Shakespeare at the Lake is a joint production of Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Company, and is made possible by generous support from the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College, the City of Lakeport, the City of Clearlake and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.
—Submitted
