Power Outage Amid Heat Wave, Imperial Irrigation District Warns

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — As the first heat wave of the year bears down on Southern California, Imperial Irrigation District power customers were urged to conserve electricity in order to reduce the probability of power outages.

The district issued a "Conserve Alert," which went into effect Tuesday and will remain active through Friday.

"By issuing this alert, we're asking our customers to do what they can to help the local electric grid," said Marilyn Del Bosque Gilbert, IID's energy manager. "By conserving energy, we can take stress off energy infrastructure, help maintain reliable energy delivery, avert power outages and help customers lower their monthly electric bill. So, it's a win-win."

A high pressure system will strengthen and expand over the Southwestern United States this week, ushering in sweltering conditions for much of the Southland, according to the National Weather Service.

An excessive heat warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Sunday in local deserts, including those in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Temperatures in the deserts could reach the 120s this week.

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