As California Heatwave Extends into the End of this Week, PG&E Urges Customers to Continue Conserving Energy Through the Afternoon and Evening Hours

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is reminding customers to continue taking steps to conserve energy today, despite slightly less adverse weather conditions than earlier in the week. The state’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), has lifted their statewide Flex Alert, but with hot weather in today’s forecast, PG&E urges all customers to take the conservation steps that helped avoid rotating outages all week.

This week, PG&E and other California utilities informed customers of potential outages due to high demand driven by the continued heatwave. Customers across the state responded to the call to conserve energy, helping to avoid the need for rotating outages for the fourth day in a row.

PG&E’s Wildfire Safety Operations Center continues to monitor several substantial fires in our service area, including the LNU Lightning Complex in the North Bay, SCU Lightning Complex in San Jose, the Loyalton Fire in the Tahoe National Forest and the River Fire in Monterey County. During any wildfire, PG&E works closely with CAL FIRE and local fire agencies to de-energize PG&E equipment when necessary to protect first responders and the public.

PG&E funds the operation of existing cooling centers throughout the state. These centers fill a critical need for those who might not have the means to cool and shelter themselves from prolonged hot temperatures. To find a cooling center near you, please call your local city or county government, or call PG&E’s toll-free cooling center locator line at 1-877-474-3266 or visit pge.com/coolingcenters.

Energy conservation is the best way to prevent stress and strain on the local power grid, which helps to reduce heat-caused power outages.

PG&E Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Usage

PG&E strongly urges all customers to conserve energy through Thursday.

• Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.
• Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.
• Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the home.
• Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
• Limit the opening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
• Clean clothes and dishes early: Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10:00 pm.

PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool

• Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.
• Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• 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.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

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