The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Southern California in effect from through July 8. Glendale Water & Power is encouraging all residents to conserve as much energy as possible this week, without jeopardizing their health or the health of their pets. The most effective ways to reduce power usage are by setting air conditioning thermostats 78 degrees or higher, and by putting off the use of major appliances until after 9 p.m.

Reducing energy use can help prevent power outages that can occur if power system equipment heats up and becomes overloaded. GWP crews are on alert and prepared to respond to heat related outages if they do occur. Extreme heat not only leads to more people operating their air conditioners all at once, but also causes other appliances to work harder in order to perform, which increases the strain on power equipment.

 Following is a list of simple and highly effective conservation measures:

• Use a ceiling fan instead of the AC whenever possible.
• 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 in rooms that are not in use.
• Use LED light bulbs wherever possible since they don’t give off heat.
• Check weather stripping on doors and windows so cool air doesn’t escape.
• Air dry dishes.
• Keep refrigerators full, a full fridge uses less energy.
• Unplug “energy vampires” – cell phone chargers, microwave ovens, and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode. Especially those appliances with digital clocks.

Residents can also cool off at Sparr Heights Community Center, 1613 Glencoe Way today until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For questions regarding Cooling Stations, please contact the Community Services and Parks Department at (818) 548-2000.

For more energy conservation tips, visit www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com