Beating the heat in Lodi
Extreme temperatures lead to record energy usage in Lodi area
In a summer of relentless heat, Lodians are heading indoors to stay cool. In recent days, temperatures have soared, forcing people to run their air conditioners and fans — resulting in a record-breaking surge in energy usage.
“The predominant impact of high temperatures like this is that people run their AC and they use more electricity so it drives our loads up,” Lodi Electric Utility engineering operation manager Jay Marchesseault said on Thursday. “In fact, on (Monday) when our temperature reached 108 degrees, our loads hit 143.86 megawatts, which is a record for Lodi. The old record was 141.7 megawatts back in July of 2006.”
As customers continue to use more electricity, Marchesseault said that the system has to carry more capacity and that, along with the high temperatures, is pushing the system harder.
“Our system is designed for excess capacity, but certainly we’re pushing in record highs for sure,” he said.
If the system is exerted beyond its capacity, the city does have a backup combustion turbine near the old General Mills plant that is available.
“We haven’t had to yet, but we’ve got some high temperatures coming this weekend and potentially into next week, so we have that available if we need it,” Marchesseault said.
According to Accuweather senior meteorologist Dave Houk, even though the extreme heat the area experienced earlier this week had dropped a little Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures are set to climb in the next couple of days.
“We are going to be going back under the broiler here, so to speak, the next couple of days,” he said. “As far as Lodi, the whole part of the Valley, we’re going to really see temperatures crank up once again (today) to the extreme heat, the kind of dangerous heat that we kind of had over the weekend. As far as (today), I think most places (today) and Saturday are going to top out at the 110degree mark, which is basically extreme heat.”
Houk said Accuweather doesn’t keep records for Lodi. If they did, he said, these temperature would be record-breaking.
Further into next week, despite some day-to-day fluxations, temperatures will remain hotter than normal, Houk said. Normal temperatures for this time of year are around 90 degrees, and temperatures will be well above that in the coming week.
In the extreme temperatures, Houk warns residents to take any precautions they can if they’re spending any time out- doors, especially today and Saturday.
For those seeking refuge from the heat, there are several places available in Lodi.
According to Lodi Public Library Director Dean Gualco, the library has been designated as the official cooling station for the city. Those looking to get out of the heat are welcome to cool off between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The library is closed on Fridays.
The Salvation Army’s Hope Harbor Shelter on Sacramento Street is another option. According to Major Mark Thielenhaus, any time the temperature reaches 100 degrees or more, they open the shelter as a cooling station.
“We pretty much go based on the forecasts for the day, so if the forecast says it’s going to be 100 at noon, we’d open up at noon.
On 100-degree days, people can remain in the shelter until 4 p.m.
At that time, Thielenhaus said, they have everyone step outside while they prepare for dinner and at 5 p.m. they are allowed to return. On days of extreme heat, when temperatures remain high into the evening, the shelter remains open as a cooling center until 8 p.m.
Erte Boyette, program manager of San Joaquin County community services, said that in cases of extreme weather conditions they operate under the county Office of Emergency Services and await direction on how to prepare for the heat. He said the county’s eight community centers are used for warming and cooling zones on all the county business operating days Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, regardless of whether conditions are extreme or not.
The Lodi Community Center is located at 415 S. Sacramento St.
Like humans, animals need to stay cool as well in extreme temperatures. According to Lodi Animal Services officer Jennifer Bender, extended exposure to extreme heat could lead to brain damage in pets. She advises pet owners to make sure their animals are getting enough cold water throughout the day to keep them cool and hydrated.
Pet owners should also be cautious about leaving their pet in the car when it’s hot. Bender said that temperatures inside a car can reach at least 30 degrees hotter than outside and can be dangerous for pets.