Imperial Irrigation District Urges Customers To Conserve Power

LA QUINTA, CA — Imperial Irrigation District power customers are being urged to conserve energy in order to reduce the probability of electrical outages amid a heat wave set to hit the Southland, beginning Friday.

The district has issued a Conserve Alert that goes from Friday through Monday as scorching temperatures grip the region.

IID said the power grid typically has ample reserves to satisfy increased demand during excessive temperatures. However, the utility said, customers should take voluntarily action to conserve electricity in order to ensure the power stays on.

These actions include:
-- avoiding use of major appliances between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.;
-- setting thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when at home; and
-- turning off excessive lights.

A ridge of high pressure anchored east of Nevada will instigate the hot, dry conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures in the Coachella Valley are expected to hit the mid-110s by Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the mercury could reach and even surpass 120, according to forecasters.

IID serves electricity to more than 150,000 customers in parts of Riverside and San Diego counties, and all of Imperial County.