With temperatures expected to reach triple digits in some areas this weekstate officials have issued a Flex Alert for June 30 and July 1. Demand for electricity is predicted to increase due to hot weather conditions.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is issuing an urgent call for customers to please reduce electricity usage now through 9 p.m. Wednesday. State officials have issued a Flex Alert from 2-9 p.m. on both days and customers are urged to conserve energy by turning off all unnecessary lights, postpone using major appliances and turning air-conditioning thermostats up to 78 degrees or higher.

To learn more, visit: www.caiso.com.                                                    

To help customers conserve energy, SCE offers several energy-efficient programs, tools and energy-saving tips designed to help keep customers cool, conserve energy, earn up to $200 in bill credits and protect the environment during peak times this summer. 

“Our first priority is keeping our customers safe and comfortable, while ensuring grid reliability during hot summer days,” said Mark Wallenrod, SCE’s director of Demand Side Management Operations. “We offer a suite of programs for residential and business customers that can help reduce electricity usage, and keep bills down.” 

Customers who participate in Save Power Days not only help conserve energy, but can earn up to $100 in bill credits each year. When a Save Power Day is called, customers will be asked to reduce their electricity usage between 2-6 p.m. Customers can select how they would like to be notified, either by phone, email or text.

Enrollees in SCE’s Summer Discount Plan can receive bill credits of up to $200 by allowing their central air conditioner to be temporarily turned off or cycled remotely during peak times of the day. This is a free, year-round program with savings typically generated from June 1 through Oct. 1. There are a variety of plans and options offered.

To learn about additional SCE residential and business tips and rebates, visit www.sce.com/summer.

Here are a few tips to conserve energy and help keep SCE customers cool:

  • Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
  • Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
  • Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
  • Reduce electricity use between noon-6 p.m. — peak hours of energy use.
  • Shut off lights when leaving a room.
  • Limit how often you open your refrigerator door.
  • Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
  • When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.

SCE also reminds customers to stay as cool, comfortable and as safe as possible when the weather heats up to avoid heat-related illnesses on extremely hot days. Keep outdoor activities to a minimum and drink plenty of water during the hottest parts of the day.

Low-income and medically sensitive customers can visit “Cool Centers,” which are operated by local governments and community-based organizations. A list of locations can be found at www.sce.com/coolcenters.