California Governor Schwarzenegger Directs State Government to Conserve Energy during Heat Wave

08/29/2007 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today directed state agencies across California to conserve energy after the National Weather Service issued heat advisories and forecasted extreme temperatures throughout portions of the San Joaquin Valley, Los Angeles County and South Eastern California over the next seven days.

Earlier today, the Governor directed the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to activate their heat response plans to protect vulnerable citizens in the heat impacted areas. The California Independent System Operator (California ISO) has also issued a “Flex Alert” for both today and tomorrow, urging California consumers to conserve energy and reduce demand on the system during the peak hours of 4:00-6:00 p.m.

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The Governor today issued the following directive to state agencies:

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for Los Angeles, Kern, Kings, Madera, Tulare and Fresno counties and is forecasting above normal heat in Riverside and Imperial counties as well. Throughout the eight counties, temperatures are expected to be 10 degrees above normal, with night time temperatures only reaching the upper 70s and low 80s. Additionally, other parts of the state will also see hotter than normal temperatures.

In order to maintain vital services and protect vulnerable citizens in nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other critical care facilities, I am directing all State agencies, departments, boards and commissions (State Agencies) to reduce electricity usage as much as possible while maintaining vital operations throughout the rest of the week.

In furtherance of this Order, I am directing the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to curtail pumping of water for the State Water Project to the maximum extent possible consistent with health and safety standards until after 7 p.m. for the rest of this week.

State Agencies are to take the following steps until 7 p.m. or until the California ISO lifts the energy alert:

· Keep all thermostats in State buildings set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, except as required to maintain computer network facilities in temperature controlled settings or unless such a temperature in a particular job or occupation may expose employees to a health and safety risk.

· Turn off lights when not in use, including non-essential overhead lighting in natural-lit areas, lighting in unoccupied rooms, equipment and storage areas. Reduce overhead lighting use as appropriate, using task lighting for higher lighting levels at workspaces. Switch off decorative lighting, signage and other lighting inside and out not necessary for security and safety. Maintain security and safety lighting to the lowest acceptable levels.

· Avoid use of heavy machinery, including copiers, printers, dishwashers, dryers, etc. until after 7 p.m.

· Keep windows and doors closed to prevent loss of heated or cooled air.

· Close blinds and window coverings on all solar exposed windows during appropriate times of the day or when rooms are not in use to block direct sunlight. When not in direct sunlight, open blinds and shades to reduce or eliminate the need for overhead lighting.

· Minimize use of portable electric devices (e.g., microwaves, toaster ovens).

Source: California Governor