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Editorial: Heat is on as mercury rises
Residents urged to conserve
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Sweltering heat this week in California and the rest of the West has prompted calls for conservation as electricity demand is expected to approach record levels today.
The heat wave — with the mercury expected to soar past the century mark in parts of Ventura County, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and the Central Valley — is expected to last at least through Labor Day weekend.
However, the California Independent System Operator, which oversees the state's electricity grid, said, despite the high temperatures, no power shortages are expected. Today's triple-digit heat is predicted to push the state's peak electricity demand to nearly 49,572 megawatts. California's all-time record is 50,270 megawatts set last July during a brutal two-week heat wave that saw temperatures reach 106 degrees in some areas of Ventura County.
County residents, especially children and seniors in the heat-prone areas of Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark should keep cool this week by drinking plenty of liquids and by staying out of the sun.
There is an important way all Californians can help out: Conserve.
Even though it is tempting to crank up the air-conditioning, the need for energy conservation should outweigh that temptation. When at home, the thermostat should be set at 78 degrees and at 80 degrees when away. Other energy-saving tips include: turn off unnecessary lights; use fans to keep cool; close the drapes; refrain from using major appliances when electricity demand is at its highest peak — between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m.; and run dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded early in the morning or late at night.
Hang in there, the National Weather Service is predicting somewhat cooler temperatures next week. Until then, it is important that residents see the light about conservation — not only during heat waves, but year-round as well.
Posted by Nosmo_King on August 30, 2007 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand France has Atomic energy, in fact so much they sell it to other countries. Maybe California should look into that form of energy.
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