July 2, 2024
Glendale Water & Power Contact: Atineh Haroutunian 
AHaroutunian@GlendaleCA.gov, (818) 548-3381

Glendale, California – Extremely High temperatures are expected this week and increasing into the weekend. Glendale Water and Power (GWP) is taking steps to ensure it can continue to provide reliable power to its customers by encouraging conservation. With continuous daily high temperatures and little opportunity for evening cooling, increased HVAC usage can create strain on the power grid and increase the potential for power outages. 

To avoid these potential interruptions in service, GWP is encouraging its customers to take steps to conserve as much energy as possible, while keeping the safety and health of family and pets in mind. “During continuous days of high temperatures, making small conservation changes can really make a big difference, and lessen the strain on our electrical grid,” stated Mark Young, GWP General Manager. “Our crews are on standby and prepared to respond to any outages; however, we are relying on Glendale residents to do their part and conserve energy,” added Young.

GWP will proactively call Peak Day Alerts asking customers to conserve and issuing Peak Alerts through its Peak Savings demand response program for enrolled customers that automatically adjusts thermostats a few degrees to conserve energy.

To help conserve energy during heat waves, customers can do the following:

• Limit appliance use during peak hours of the day. Instead, use them in early morning hours or after 8:00 p.m. when the demand is less.

• Charge electric vehicles early in the morning or after 9:00 p.m.

• Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 when home and set thermostats to 80 degrees when not home, keeping in mind the health of family members and pets.

• Use a ceiling fan instead of the AC whenever possible. Remember fans cool people, not rooms.

• Close all curtains and blinds to keep out direct sunlight and keep your home cool.

• Turn off lights to rooms that are not in use.

• Use LEDs wherever possible since they don’t give off heat and are more efficient.

• Air dry dishes to avoid using the dishwasher.

• Keep refrigerators full. A full fridge uses less energy.

• Unplug “energy vampires” - cell phone chargers, battery packs, or any appliances with digital clocks that use energy, even when turned off or in sleep mode.

• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.

Business customers are also encouraged to keep store front doors closed to prevent cool air from escaping, turning off unnecessary lights in any rooms that are not in use, encouraging employees to unplug chargers, and turn off computers and devices with digital timers before leaving the office for the weekend. For energy efficiency programs available to all customers visit www.GlendaleWaterandPower.com.

To receive outage text alerts and updates on outages, visit GlendaleCA.gov/OutageTextAlerts, or visit GWP’s live outage map at GlendaleWaterandPower.com. To prepare for, and in the event of an outage, keep flashlights handy, ensure cell phones are charged, keep the refrigerator door closed, and keep plenty of water nearby. Should an outage occur, your patience will be greatly appreciated as our crews work through the heat to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. For emergencies, call 911. Cooling Stations are available, click here for more information.

Glendale Water & Power is the City of Glendale’s utility. Glendale Water & Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to 88,849 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Glendale, California. The city-owned utility also provides water to 34,181 customers. For the latest information regarding power outages follow GWP on Twitter at @COGwaterpower, Instagram @GlendaleWaterandPower, or Facebook.com/GlendaleWaterandPower.