Utility Companies Urge Cerritos, Artesia Residents to Conserve Energy During Heat Wave

With temperatures expected to soar throughout the week and residents likely relying on their air conditioners, officials at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison -- which provides service to the cities of Cerritos and Artesia -- each urged customers today to conserve energy to prevent strain on the power grid.

Edison, which is operating without the benefit of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, stressed that it anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand during this week's heat wave. But the utility noted that conservation can provide additional reserves that would help in the event of a power emergency.

Both Edison and DWP offered a series of tips to help customers cut back on power usage, including:

• setting thermostats no lower than 78 degrees;
• limiting the use of appliances during peak hours, and using washing machines, dishwashers and other heavy appliances only in the evening;
• close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool;
• ventilate homes at night and in the early morning to allow cool air to circulate;
• limit the opening of refrigerators;
• turn off lights in unoccupied areas; and
• rely on ceiling or smaller fans to cool rooms instead of air conditioners.

To help Cerritos and Artesia locals keep cool, the county has also offered designated cooling centers in the area.  for a list of the facilities. 

- City News Service contributed to this report.