Rosemead-based Southern California Edison, the primary power provider for most of the State’s southern half, reported this week that it supplied a record 23,303 megawatts of electricity on Friday, August 31. Edison spokesperson Paul Klein said the increased air conditioner use by customers fighting the recent heat wave led to the shattering of the previous record, 22,889 megawatts on July 25, 2006. As of press time, approximately 33,000 Edison customers were without power, though no areas in Santa Barbara County were reported as currently suffering disrupted service. Statistics for how much power Edison supplied to Santa Barbara County on August 31 were not available, Klein said.
A statement from Edison encouraged customers to minimize energy consumption by setting thermostats to lower than 78 degrees and using electric fans whenever possible. In general, customers can also beat the heat while saving energy by turning off unused appliances, drawing the blinds to keep out sunlight, trying to keep the refrigerator closed and operating swimming pool equipment in the morning and evening only.