In response to predictions of a long and hot summer, GWP is taking steps to ensure it can continue to provide reliable power to its customers. With transmission constraints and inability to rely on locally generated power from its Grayson Power Plant, GWP wants to avoid any interruptions in service and is counting on its customers to take steps to conserve as much energy as possible this summer.

GWP will be proactively alerting customers through its Peak Day Alert program by calling and/or emailing customers to conserve energy on particular days and especially during peak hours in the day by asking them to turn up the temperatures on their thermostats and put off the use of large appliances until after 8 p.m.

“Making small changes in the way customers use energy adds up to a lot of energy saved,” said Steve Zurn, general manager of GWP. “We want to avoid any service interruptions this summer due to our aging Grayson Power plant being offline. We are asking our customers to please conserve as much as possible so that we can continue to provide Glendale with reliable power during high demand periods.”

To help conserve energy throughout the summer, especially when GWP calls a Peak Day Alert, customers can do the following:

•Limit appliance use during peak hours of the day. Use them in early morning hours or after 8:00 p.m.

•Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 when home and set thermostats to 80 degrees when not home, keeping in mind the health of family members and pets.

•Use a ceiling fan instead of the AC whenever possible. Remember fans cool people not rooms.

•Close all curtains and blinds to keep out direct sunlight.

•Make sure all HVAC vents are clean and filters have been replaced.

•Turn off lights to rooms that are not in use.

•Use LEDs wherever possible since they don’t give off heat and are more efficient.

•Air dry dishes to avoid using the dishwasher.

•Keep refrigerators full.  A full fridge uses less energy.

•Unplug “energy vampires” – cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens, and other appliances with digital clocks that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode.

•When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours

GWP crews will as always be on duty and standby throughout the summer and prepared to respond to heat related outages if they do occur. Customers can also sign-up for the State of California’s flex alert system when the state issues an urgent call for conservation during peak energy use periods. To sign-up for flex alerts visit: www.Flexalert.org or follow @Flexalert on Twitter.

Residents can also access the following cooling stations in Glendale: Adult Recreation Center, 201 E. Colorado St.; (818) 548-3775; Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maple Park Community Center,
820 E. Maple Ave.; (818) 548-3783 or (818) 548-3694; Friday-Sunday from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave.; (818) 548-4098; Friday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sparr Heights Community Center, 1613 Glencoe Way, 91208; (818) 548-2187; Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For questions regarding cooling stations, contact Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Dept. at (818) 548-2000. For more energy conservation tips, visit www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com.