Glendale Water & Power (GWP) is encouraging residents to conserve energy during this heat wave. Weather forecasters warned temperatures in the Glendale area throughout the weekend could reach in the triple-digits. Although GWP does not anticipate any shortages, it is prudent of our customers to do their part to conserve energy. Conservation can reduce our peak demand thereby alleviating the stress on the power system.

The crucial time for conservation is the peak demand hours from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Higher temperatures can easily translate into higher bills if customers don’t conserve. However making some minor adjustments in the way customers use electricity can save money and help conserve energy.

Some energy conservation tips customers can immediately take advantage of to stay cool, manage their electricity bills, and reduce the strain on the electric grid are:

• Keep all windows and doors shut
• Set your air conditioner’s thermostat at 80°F or above when not home; 72°F when at home.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances especially computers, monitors, printers when not in use.
• Keep your curtains drawn to block out the sun
• Check caulking and weather stripping around all doors, windows and close your fireplace damper so that the cool air from your home isn’t escaping.
• Close vents and doors to rooms not in use. (But be sure not to close more than 25% of the vents in your home.)
• Keep your refrigerators and freezers as full as possible. A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
• Wash only full loads in your clothes washer and dishwashers.
• Give all your appliances the “afternoon off” between noon and 7:00 p.m. Use major appliances early in the day, or later at night.

To learn more about how you can help save energy this summer, call GWP at 818-548-3300 or visit our Web site at www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com. Do your part to help conserve during this heat wave.