With temperatures expected to increase to triple digits in Los Angeles beginning Thursday, July 21 through the weekend, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) urges customers to reduce their energy use where possible while not putting their health or the health of their pets at risk.

High heat can also impact power reliability as more residents and businesses use their air conditioners all at once, increasing the strain on neighborhood power distribution equipment. The most effective time to save energy is from Noon until 6:00 p.m. when energy use is typically the highest.

To help reduce energy use, LADWP recommends the following as highly effective conservation measures:

• Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
• Be smart about lighting. Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Adjust your water heater down to 120 degrees.
• Use your major appliances late in the evening or early in the morning. 
• Turn off your pool pumps.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage
Following are ways that customers can be prepared for possible power outages:

• Store flashlights and batteries in easy-to-reach places around the home. Make a mental note to know where they all are.
• Keep a battery-operated radio nearby for updates on power outages.
• Ventilate your home in the evening by opening doors and windows to clear out heat and circulate air.
• Always have a phone charger in the car. Having a fully charged phone to speak with friends and family during an outage can be both comforting and informative.
• Keep non-perishable food handy. If food in the refrigerator does spoil, you want to be sure and have plenty of alternatives nearby.
• Keep a cooler nearby to transfer food, using whatever ice you have before the outage.
• If you are medically dependent on critical equipment, consider purchasing a gasoline-powered backup generator.

LADWP urges customers to be alert and follow instructions when Flex Alerts are issued, signaling an urgent call for conservation during peak energy use periods.

For the latest information regarding power outages in Los Angeles, follow LADWP on Twitter @LADWP. Customers may also sign up for LADWP email notifications on www.ladwp.com and www.ladwpnews.com.

-Los Angeles Department of Water and Power