One week into what is expected to be a warmer San Diego summer than last year, San Diego Gas & Electric announced Tuesday it is prepared to meet customer needs.
SDG&E has secured the necessary electricity supplies and reserves to meet energy demands this summer, "barring extreme weather conditions," it said in a media release.
The preparedness is measured by the California Independent Systems Operation, which projects supply and demand as part of its state power grid management.
Since last summer, new generation resources have added more than 1,800 megawatts to the California grid.
Despite the resources, David Geier, vice president of SDG&E electrical operations, encouraged customers to continue energy conservation, "especially when unexpected conditions like a heat wave or transmission emergency arise," he said.
"San Diegans are already doing a great job on energy efficiency and conservation," Geier said, "but we can always do more to go green and save money."
The SDG&E website suggests several tips for energy conservation, including turning off lights, computers and appliances when out of use, and replacing incadescent light bulbs with compact fluroescent lamps, which use about 75 percent less energy and can last about 10 times as long.
Other energy-saving tips:
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees when home.
- Use major applicances before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Check caulking around windows and weather-stripping around doors to limit warm, outside hair from entering home.
- During the hottest hours of the day, close blinds, shades or drapes to block heat.
- Install low-flow showerheads to save water and cut about 5 to 10 percent of water heating expenses.
- Wash full laundry loads in cold water to save as much as 10 percent of hot water costs.
