It’s a hot Labor Day weekend – do your part to conserve
It’s going to be a hot Labor Day weekend and Plumas Sierra Rural Electric and PG&E are encouraging their customers to conserve as much as possible, particularly between the hours of 3 and 9 p.m. from today through Monday, Sept. 7.
Temperatures are forecasted to be 10 to 20 degrees above average in California, with overnight lows forecasted at least 10 degrees higher than normal. This makes it more difficult for some energy supply infrastructure to cool down as needed for sustained operations.
The state has issued a flex alert and the utilities are asking their customers to do what they can to reduce demand and avoid or lessen the duration of potential power outages.
Some helpful tips for conserving power:
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- Avoid using electrical appliances and devices from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Put off tasks such as vacuuming, laundry, dish washing and computer time until after 9 p.m.
- Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher or turn it off if you will be away from home. Use a fan instead of air conditioning when possible.
- Draw drapes and turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Limit the opening of refrigerators, which is a major user of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
- Keep refrigerator full (with bottles of water if nothing else) and unplug your second refrigerator, if you have one.
- Avoid using the oven. Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
Tips to Stay Safe and Cool
- Have a buddy system: Check in on elderly or frail people.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty.
- Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
- Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
Tips to Prepare for a Power Outage
- Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios and extra batteries on hand.
- Gather non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking, as well as a manual can opener.
- Freeze water-filled plastic jugs to make blocks of ice. Place them in the fridge and freezer to help prevent food from spoiling.
- If you have a generator, make sure a licensed electrician properly installs it. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to our crews.
