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LADWP Offers Tips on Saving Water and Energy and Encourages Conservation During the Hot Weekend

Posted on: Friday, 14 July 2006, 18:00 CDT

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) wants to remind customers, as temperatures are on the rise, that it is a good time to conserve energy and water.

Temperatures are expected to soar over the weekend, and the LADWP has adequate energy resources to meet forecasted loads. But using energy wisely is always a good practice and is especially recommended when temperatures soar.

On Thursday, July 13, the city's energy load peaked at 5414 megawatts. The record load was 5661 megawatts, set on July 22, 2005.

LADWP's energy capacity is about 7200 megawatts to serve its 1.4 million electricity customers. Local energy demand usually runs higher as businesses and residents turn up their air conditioners. The demand peaks in the late afternoon.

"Conserving energy will assist the City in being a good neighbor and helping to provide other areas of the state with energy supply, should the need arise," said LADWP General Manager Ronald F. Deaton.

Customers can implement water and energy saving habits that will save money and resources, as temperatures heat up and demand for energy and water increases.

The LADWP offers many programs that can help save money on energy and water, from its Consumer Rebate Program. Refrigerator Retire Program, Tree Program, Clothes Washer Rebate Program and more. The LADWP is ready to assist its customers to use our precious resources wisely. LADWP offers these tips and ways to use energy and water more efficiently: 1. Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. 2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) wherever appropriate. 3. During the heat of day, close your draperies, shades, or blinds to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight and check your home for adequate insulation. 4. Plant shade trees, to reduce heat gain to the house. 5. Install / Use Ceiling fans or whole house fans for comfort cooling. 6. Set your air-conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer and heat your home at 68 degrees or cooler during winter. 7. Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings. 8. Clean or replace your air-conditioner's filter(s) every month to keep your air-conditioner running more efficiently. 9. Regularly brush or vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom or rear of your refrigerator and check door gasket for tight fit and adjust if necessary. 10. Buy energy-saving "Energy Star" labeled appliances. 11. Limit the time you run your pool pump: Summer (six hours a day), Winter (four hours a day). 12. To conserve water do not water lawn(s) on windy days or during the hottest part of the day, when evaporation rate is high. 13. Check your sprinklers for proper operation. Make sure you are watering your lawn and not the sidewalk or street. Repair leaks. 14. Adding new plants to your yard? Consider native and other drought tolerant plants that need 2/3 less water. 15. Be aware of the "Energy Vampires." These are appliances that use energy even when you think they are not. Any appliance with a clock or "quick on" is using energy. Unplug these appliances when not in use. 16. Lower the temperature on your water heater. 17. Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes and air dry your dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle. 18. Check to see that your fireplace damper is closed tightly to hold cool air in when the fireplace is not in use. 19. Investigate drip irrigation systems for your yard.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was established more than 100 years ago to provide a reliable and safe water and electric supply to the city's businesses and residents. For more saving tips and energy and water saving program information, please visit www.ladwp.com or call 1-800-GreenLA.

Source: Business Wire

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