With temperatures rising near and above the 100 degree mark in some areas, power grids are becoming at risk for rolling black outs.
Power crews have been working tirelessly all day to make sure everyone continues to have power.
And tonight they say there are things you can do in your own home to help the power grid stay up and running.
The heat is on, well that is unless you are inside where the air conditioning system is likely cooling you down and straining the power grid as everyone flips on the air at once.
From right here in the Rouge Valley and all along the west coast, millions of us are using more power than ever to try to stay cool.
Customers with California Independent System Operatorhave been put on a “Flex Alert”
Officialsat Pacific Power however, say the system in the Rogue Valley is designed to withstand high usage levels.
Regardless, blackout’s are still a possibility.
Officials say there are steps you can take to help the power grid out.
First….the thermostat. 78 degrees is the recommended temperature when your at home during the day. If you leave officials recommend turning it up to 85 degrees.
Second, whether or not you have an air conditioning unit or not, keep your windows and blinds closed during the day and open them at night.
If youneed to clean your dirty dishes or do a load of laundry, power officials say don’t use big appliances between the hours of noon and 8pm. Those are peak hours for the grid.
You can also unplug smaller appliances like your coffee pot when they’re not in use.
If you have ceiling fans, they use less power than a lightbulb and help cool things down.
Other tips to save power include, having your air filter replaced or cleaned monthly,set your water heater to 120 degrees, eliminate extra freezers, and powering down your electronics.
There are also cash incentives for installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling system.
For even more tips visit bewattsmart.com.
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