State Buildings Conserve Energy During Southern California Heatwave

Weisenmiller sent a follow-up letter today:

California Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller continues to promote energy efficiency during Southern California’s heat wave. Last week in an effort to lead by example, he asked leaders at the University of California, California State University, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles and the state’s Sustainability Task Force – made up of state agency executives – to conserve energy to help Southern California avoid consumer outages. Read the news release about the call to action here.

Thank you for responding to my call to action last week. Some locations in Southern California set all-time high temperatures yesterday with Palm Springs hitting 121 degrees. With the California Independent System Operator’s call for a limited maintenance schedule and a Flex Alert, we did not have to curtail electricity. Your building tenants made a difference by helping conserve energy during these times of system stress. I commend you for following the request and hope that the lessons learned from this episode can be used to respond to future heat waves.

I would encourage you to look at getting energy efficiency products like LEDs, more efficient HVAC units, and heat resistant-windows -- reflective outer coverings on windows is an example. Please visit your local electric utility’s webpage for more information on rebates (LADWP, SCE, SDG&E, IID, Anaheim, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and Riverside). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a La Niña year with an excessively hot summer. These products will help you save money, help the grid during peak hours, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Remember, conservation helps reduces costs and pollution. Some actions that you can take include:

• Turn off all lighting not necessary for safety or productivity.
• Set air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher.
• Keep windows, doors and blinds closed, where feasible to keep cold air inside.
• Turn off office equipment, computers, printers and other electrical equipment that is not required productivity.
• Unplug phone chargers and other small electronic devices not necessary for work.
• Consider using a central copier, and turn off infrequently used copiers for the remainder of the day.
• Turn off coffee makers and other break room electronics when not in use.
• Turn hot water temperature down as appropriate.
• If you use other appliances, avoid using them during the warmest hours of the day.

Thank you again and I look forward to continue partnering with you to make it through the summer with minimum disruption.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Weisenmiller
Chair, California Energy Commission