Tips to Prepare for the Unexpected Heat Advisory in Temecula

Amid unseasonably high temperatures in Temecula and heat advisories throughout the state, residents are being urged to conserve electricity as growing demand could cause a strain on the power grid.

To help you keep cool and also save energy, Energy Upgrade California encourages Californians to:

• Avoid Peak Times: Reducing energy usage is especially important during peak hours of 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Consider charging your electronic devices, starting a load of laundry or running the dishwasher outside of these hours.
• Stay Cool and Energy Conscious: Use fans to cool your home. Pre-cool your home by running air conditioning at 72 degrees in the early part of the day (when it’s more efficient) then turn your system to 78 or higher by no later than 3pm when demand is the highest. Move any furniture blocking vents to be sure air is flowing efficiently, turn the air conditioner off when you are not home and pull the blinds down to keep sunlight from heating your home.
• Be Aware of Household Energy Suckers: Televisions, game consoles, computer monitors, coffee makers and other small appliances should be unplugged when not in use. Turn unnecessary lights off, indoors and outdoors. Avoid using your oven while cooking and limit opening your refrigerator and freezer.
• Stay Safe if Power is Down: In the event power is turned off for customers, check on neighbors, friends and family in a socially distance manner. Remember that this type of power shutoff is short term and impacted customers would likely be without power for about an hour or two.

For more information, visit www.energyupgradeca.org. For more specifics about individual households, contact your local energy provider.