Media Contact: Paul Netter, (626) 302-2255

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Sept. 12, 2014 — With a heat wave forecast through the weekend, Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers to stay cool, but to also conserve energy amid heat waves that typically lead to around-the-clock air-conditioning use that can spike electricity consumption, causing utility-equipment failure and resulting in power outages.

The National Weather Service predicts a heat wave for both Los Angeles and Orange counties through the middle of next week, with temperatures in the mid-90s. The valleys are expected to experience temperatures in the low 100s.

SCE has taken steps to ensure that crews are available to immediately respond to outages.

“We anticipate having an adequate supply of electricity,” said Paul Grigaux, SCE’s vice president of Transmission, Substations and Operations. “However, with more energy likely being used in the evenings, especially air conditioning, the extra demand can strain SCE’s equipment when it’s not given the opportunity to cool off.”

In fact, the California Independent System Operator believes electricity consumption during the heat wave could exceed the summer’s previous peak of 44,200 megawatts on July 30.

SCE’s year-to-date peak consumption is 20,323 megawatts on May 15. SCE’s all-time weekday peak is 23,303 megawatts on Aug. 31, 2007, and its all-time Sunday peak is 21,194 megawatts on Sept. 2, 2007.

As temperatures climb, SCE urges customers to conserve by reducing their electricity use between 2-6 p.m. — the hours of peak energy use — to lessen strains on power supplies and the possibility of outages. 

Some tips to conserve energy include: 

  • Using electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
  • Turning off unused appliances and equipment.
  • Avoiding air-conditioner use when evaporative coolers or humidifiers are running.
  • Avoiding operating energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.
  • Limiting how often you open your refrigerator door.

For more energy-conserving tips and programs, including the Save Power Day program, visit: on.sce.com/tips.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.