IID advises minding energy use during hot weekend

Given expectations of more extreme temperature within its service area, Imperial Irrigation District is urging ratepayers to be mindful of taking stress off the local electric grid.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch over the Labor Day Weekend, with predicted afternoon temperatures between 108 to 118 degrees.

As it has done all summer, IID said it continues to work to optimize its energy operations and procure energy resources as needed, preparing to meet customer energy demand while avoiding service interruptions.

“It’s been a long, hot summer and we are thankful for the steps our customers have been taking to conserve energy,” said Marilyn del Bosque Gilbert, IID’s energy manager. “The efforts to conserve go a long way in helping the local grid.”

Unlike other utilities earlier this summer, the IID service territory did not experience energy blackouts despite reaching an all-time record for energy demand. The district is not a member of the California Independent System Operator, and its rotating outage orders do not apply to IID customers.

Should energy demand surpass IID’s available supply, the district does have a plan in place where a small number of customers could experience a temporary loss of power for 15-minute periods.

To help avoid service interruptions, IID asks residents and businesses to conserve energy by:

• Avoiding the use of major appliances like washers, dryers, dishwashers and pool pumps, and charging of electric vehicles, applicable industrial equipment, etc., between peak hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.;

• Setting thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when home;

• Using floor or ceiling fans to cool off whenever possible;

• Turning off all unnecessary lights;

• Blocking the sun from overheating your home. Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.