There
are many different ways you can conserve energy and save money.
Many of these tips are easy to implement and resultsare almost immediate.
Lighten Up Your Load.
If you're not using a
light, turn it off!
Switch out your old
incandescent light bulbs with
compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and cut your energy use for
lighting by up to 75%. (IMPORTANT: Always treat CFLs as
electronic waste when they go out, and recycle them at
an
e-waste collection center.)
Replace your old
incandescent holiday lights with LED holiday
strands which use 90% less energy.
Around the house.
Lower
your hot water temperature by setting the thermostat to
"low," or below 120°F.
Install
a water heater insulation blanket if your heater doesn't have an
"Energy Guide" label indicating it as energy efficient.
Insulate
the first 3 to 6 feet of cold and hot water pipes near your water
heater. Insulating all hot water pipes is only necessary where
pipes are located in a crawl space or attic. Keep foam
insulation at least 6 inches from the flue of a gas water heater.
Turn
your water heater control valve to "pilot" when you're away
from home for a week or more.
Set
your thermostat to 78°F in the summer. Note: The house will not cool
down any faster if you crank up the thermostat past the desired
temperature. Besides, it is easy to forget to turn it back down, which
will waste energy dollars.
Turn
the air conditioner off when away all day and during the night. Open
the windows at night for natural cooling.
Regularly
clean and replace filters to air conditioning units and appliances.
Seal,
caulk and weather-strip the roof, walls, floors, around windows,
doors, chimneys and cracks to keep the hot air out and cool air in.
Insulate wherever possible, including attics, basement walls, crawl
spaces, water heaters and ducts. Insulation can reduce your heating
and cooling costs up to 30%.
Try
to use appliances before noon and after 7PM.
Set
your hot water heater thermostat at 120 degrees or "low".
It's hot enough for most needs and it cuts down on energy needed to
keep water hot in the tank.
Wash
when you have full loads. When drying clothes, use the proper setting
and load size.
Install
a whole house fan. A new whole house fan installed between ceiling
joists in the house can help defer central air conditioning use, and
cut down on electricity bills.
In
the Kitchen.
Whether or not you plan to buy a
new range or other cooking appliances, you can probably save some money by
modifying your cooking habits.
Whenever
possible, keep pots and pans covered. You will save fuel and
shorten cooking time as well.
Using
the proper flame height conserves fuel. The low flame setting is
best for delicate sauces and milk, melting butter and cooking for
small amounts of food. At a medium rate you can maintain a
consistent boil, simmer, cook, fry or brown foods.
The
highest flame setting should be reserved for a quick boil, stir frying
or rapid cooking.
Use
the microwave to provide a quick efficient alternative to oven
cooking. Foods cook for a fraction of the energy and time.
Turn
refrigerator setting to above 37°. Your refrigerator that is on 24
hours a day accounts for about 15% of the total home electricity bill.
Check and clean the coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator
regularly, don't make it work harder than necessary. See your
appliance manual for maintenance instructions. If you have an extra
freezer or refrigerator that is nearly empty turn it off.
In
the Laundry Room
Unlike
furnaces and water heaters, dryers are not required to have Energy Guide
labels. However, new gas dryers use much less than older models,
because they light automatically without a continuous-burning pilot light
and also have better insulation.
Because of these new energy-efficient features, replacing an old gas dryer
with a new one can save over 50% in energy cost.
Wash
Full loads or adjust the water level accordingly
Wash
with warm or cold water, Always rinse in cold water.
Every
so often, check to see that the outside moisture exhaust vent of the
dryer is open and remove any lint that has collected.
Dry
full loads of clothes but don't overfill the dryer. One washer
load is one dryer load. Clothes should tumble freely.
Don't
over dry clothes - it wastes energy, causes shrinkage, and shortens
the life of the clothes.
Separate
lightweight from heavyweight fabrics for faster, more even drying.
Dry
two or more loads in a row, taking advantage of the heat still in the
dryer from the first load.
When
drying only one or two items, add several compatible items to ensure
proper tumbling and faster drying.
Don't
open the dryer door unnecessarily. Warm air escapes from the
dryer into the room.
Clean
the lint filter before drying each load for quickest drying.
In
the Living Areas
When
replacing appliances or equipment, buy products with the Energy Star®
label, the symbol for energy efficiency.Households
that replace existing equipment with Energy Star® products can cut
annual energy bills by up to 30 percent. Call PWP's AnswerLine at
(626)744-6970 for details.
Activate
your Energy Star® "sleep" feature on home office equipment
so that it automatically powers down when not in use to save up to $70
annually in electricity bills and improve product longevity.
Replace
incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents that last ten times
longer and require less energy.
During
hot periods, close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight.
Install
glass doors in front of the fireplace to help keep warm air in the
home.
Along
with gas logs, add a cast-iron fireback to your fireplace to promote
heat transfer into the room. Positioned against the back wall of
a fireplace, a fireback protects the masonry of the back wall and
radiates the heat of the fire forward.
In
the Yard
Keep
your spa or pool covered when not in use and cut down the time the
filter runs to four or five hours a day.
Consider
landscaping around the home: Plant evergreen trees on the north side
and leafy trees on the south side of your home to block winter winds
and the summer sun.
Keep
your spa or pool covered when not in use. Well-fitted pool and
spa covers help prevent heat loss for energy savings of 50-70% or
more. They also reduce water evaporation.
Consider
a solar cover for your pool; it lies on the water's surface and heats
the water from the sun.
Pool
and spa combos save energy because they share the same filtration and
heating systems.
Use
a time clock to pre-set the exact hours you want your pool heated.
When
closing a pool for winter, drain all the water from the heater,
filter, pump, and piping systems. Remove the pump motor and
store in a dry place.
Inspect
the spa heater annually for scale, mineral deposits, or corrosion.
Are
you too "plugged in"?
With
more people working from home and the growth of new technologies,
products that require power in the average home have dramatically
increased.
Computer
equipment is the fastest growing electric load in the world.
Unfortunately, much of the energy for computers is wasted because they
are often kept on while not in use.
Additionally,
most idle appliances—TVs, VCRs cable boxes, CD players, cordless
phones, burglar alarms, microwaves—continue to use energy when
switched off. This energy keeps display clocks lit and memory chips and
remote controls working. These energy "leaks" are costly. New
technology in TVs and VCRs bearing the Energy Star label will reduce
wasted energy by up to 75 percent.
Useful Links
Here are two links to websites. The first link is to The California
Independent system Operator website. Cal ISO is a not-for-profit public
benefit corporation charged with operating the majority of California's
high voltage wholesale power grid. Balancing the demand for
electricity with an equal supply of megawatts, the ISO is the link
between power plants and the utilities that service more than 30 million
consumers. The website includes real time energy supply and demand
statewide. The second link is to Flex Your Power, the site
provides important conservation measures would affect statewide demand
during peak periods.
Could
my power be out, but a neighbor across the street still have electric
service?
Yes,
neighbors can be on different circuits. Two different circuits could
serve one street.
One
circuit can serve up to 2,000 customers. If electricity is out in your
house only or part of your house, then chances are that a fuse has
blown or a circuit breaker has shut off because of an overload or a
short circuit. To get service again, you'll need to replace the fuse
or reset the circuit breaker in your electric switch box.
How
can I choose a contractor for my energy efficiency retrofits?
Determine
what type of measures you'd be interested in. Each of the basic
categories of lighting and HVAC require different types of contractors
and varying levels of expertise.
Pick
at least three companies, ask for local references and contact them.
Have them provide bids. Most of the experienced contractors are
knowledgeable about the new energy efficiency systems, and can provide
a free estimate of the job. Remember that a contractor who is willing
to educate you may ultimately provide more value.
When
checking references, be sure to ask the following:
Was the
work done on time? Were there any changes in the scope once the
job began?Were
there any changes in the price, and if so, why?
I
have already retrofitted my home, how can I cut my bill even further?
Energy-efficient
equipment is only part of the energy saving equation: The other part
relies on behavior.
Encourage
everyone in the home to turn off lights when not needed in storage
areas, closets, and restrooms.
Turn
off all lights PCs, monitors, printers, copiers every night before
retiring and when away from home. Make energy efficiency a part of
your life!
Please
keep the following safety tips in mind if you are considering using a
portable generator:
Have
a licensed electrician do any wiring needed to connect the generator
to your internal electric circuits.
Read
and understand the manufacturer's instructions very carefully before
connecting the generator to your electrical circuits.
Plug
electrical appliances into the generator using a heavy-duty
extension cord.
Do
not connect the output of your generator directly to your house
wiring or service panel! This can create electrical backfeed to the
PWP distribution system and put field service crews in jeopardy of
receiving severe or fatal electric shocks.
To
notify PWP of a generator location, please call Customer Service at
626-744-4005. Improper use and connection of a back up or portable
generator can be a safety hazard. If you have an electric generator
that is, or can be, connected to your electrical wiring, state law
requires you to notify PWP of its location. Violators can be subject
to fines up to $500 or six months imprisonment (Section 119090 of
the California Health and Safety Code).
What
is the energy outlook for Pasadena?
PWP
is prepared to meet our customers' needs.
We
are developing a long-term resource plan to ensure that we have
adequate resources to meet the long-term energy requirements in
Pasadena.
Pasadena's
generating station could supply 60 percent of the City's electricity
needs; however, present air quality regulations limit the plant's
generation production. Studies are currently underway to determine
what can be done to bring our local generating facility up to modern
environmental compliance standards.
We
are pursuing partnerships with the cities of Burbank
and Glendale to develop new energy resources.
What
can I do to help out during an energy crisis?
The
best way to avoid blackouts is for each individual to do what they can
to conserve electricity.
Behavioral
changes such as turning off the lights when you're not using them and
some investments, such as buying and installing Energy Star®
appliances, can actually halve your energy bills.
PWP
offers many rebate programs that can help electric customers conserve
energy… just call the PWP AnswerLine at (626) 744-6970 to take
advantage of these energy-saving programs.
How
do I deal with a rolling blackout?
If
a curtailment is implemented in your neighborhood, remember that it is a
controlled event. The electricity is usually restored within two hours.
Until power is restored, please consider these helpful tips:
If
you are driving, avoid an outage area since traffic lights may not be
operating. Treat intersections as if they are four-way stops. If you
are a pedestrian, be extra alert, since normal traffic patterns are
disrupted.
Keep
at least one traditional phone linked by cord, since portable
(cordless) phones won't work without electricity.
Turn
off all major appliances to prevent circuits from overloading.
Leave
one light on to indicate when the power has been restored. Keep a
battery-powered flashlight and radio handy, with plenty of spare
batteries. If it is dark, use flashlights, never use candles since
they can start a fire.
Do
not burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
Keep
refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food as fresh as
possible
Consider
installing a surge protector to prevent sudden surges of power that
can damage computers, fax machines and other equipment. Also, check
your internet service provider's back-up strategy if access is
critical to you.
Learn
how to work your automatic garage door manually so you don't get stuck
without a car.
Protect
your computer: Back up important data and files regularly. During an
outage: Remove the power plugs that belong to the computer, monitor,
printer and scanner from the wall socket. Power surges can cause
damage to your computer if it's still plugged into the wall.
If
you have a security system, check to make sure the back-up batteries
are fully charged. Create a contingency emergency plan for your home
and business. (Note: The type of business you have and the type of
equipment you use should be reflected in your plan.) Everyone
concerned should be trained in safety precautions and emergency
procedures.
Why
does Pasadena have rolling blackouts if Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) has
its own generating station?
Pasadena
is part of the state power grid and its contract with the state's
Independent System Operator (ISO) requires that Pasadena
abide by ISO directives during power shortage emergencies.
Why
did PWP enter into a contract with the ISO?
To
enhance overall system reliability that provides 24-hour backup for
all of PWP's energy sources. And most importantly, to enable PWP to
operate its generating station more efficiently.
Through
this cooperative agreement with the ISO, in the event that our
generation plant suffers an outage during normal operations or any of
PWP's other resources become suddenly unavailable, the entire western
grid backs up PWP.
Another
benefit of the ISO agreement is that PWP has been able to sell power
into the wholesale marketplace. Power that PWP can generate from
purchases through its long-term contracts that is in excess of the
requirements to serve Pasadena can be sold into the marketplace. PWP
uses revenues from selling excess power into the spot energy market
and from standby reserves to offset operating costs thereby helping to
keep rates stable for Pasadena electric customers.
What
is the ISO Notification?
The
California Independent System Operator (ISO) controls 75 percent of
the state's transmission grid and secures power supplies for most of
the state's customers. The ISO continually monitors the state's
electric system to ensure there is enough supply. When there is a
significant electricity imbalance between supply and demand, the ISO
may issue an Alert, a Warning or a Stage 1,2, or 3 Emergency.
What
are the levels of notification?
Alerts:
The ISO will inform PWP that operating reserves in the
day-ahead market
are forecasted at less than 7%.
Warnings:
The ISO informs PWP that operating reserves in the
hour-ahead market
are forecasted at less than 7%.
Emergency
Stage 1: The ISO informs PWP that operating reserves are less than
7% in real time or are unavoidable. Customers are urged to reduce
their use of electricity.
Emergency
Stage 2: The ISO informs PWP that operating reserves are less than
5% in real time or are unavoidable. The ISO can require PWP to reduce
voluntary interruptible load. If ordered to curtail interruptible
non-firm load, PWP will implement California Public Utilities
Commission CPUC-approved programs in which customers have voluntarily
agreed to have their services interrupted during these types of
emergencies. These voluntary interruptions are implemented to prevent
a more severe condition.
Emergency
Stage 3: The ISO informs PWP that operating reserves are less than
1.5% in real time or are unavoidable. The ISO can order PWP to curtail
firm load. If ordered to curtail firm load, PWP will implement its
CPUC-approved rotating outage plan in which controlled rolling
blackouts are rotated among groups
of customers. These outages will be implemented until the ISO notifies
PWP that the emergency has passed.
How
does the rolling blackout rotation work?
PWP
has identified the circuits available for use in rolling blackouts and
has a rotating outage plan approved by the
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The amount of power the
ISO designates for curtailment will determine the number of groups
that are interrupted at any one time.
An
outage is expected to last about one hour but can last up to two hours
depending on the severity of the situation. At the end of the hour,
service will be restored to the affected groups and the next groups on
the list will be interrupted.
The
goal is to maintain the load curtailment requested by the ISO.
What
is a circuit and how are they selected for rolling blackouts?
A
circuit is an underground or overhead electrical line that supplies
power to a combination of residential and/or commercial customer
groups within a given geographical area. Most of PWP's circuits are
subject to the rotating outages.
Each
group is made up of a number of circuits with approximately 3
megawatts of electrical usage per group. Each circuit generally serves
between 800 and 2,000 customers.
Under
the CPUC's regulations, only those circuits that serve specifically
designated classes of customers that provide critical public health,
safety, and security services (such as hospitals, fire and police
stations) are exempted from these outages. All remaining circuits are
arranged into groups that represent all customer types (residential,
commercial and industrial).
How
will I be notified about a Stage 3 Emergency and rolling blackouts?
When
a Stage 3 Emergency is declared by the ISO, PWP will contact all media
and they will be encouraged to broadcast the news immediately. There
may be as few as10 minutes after a Stage 3 Emergency is declared
before PWP will begin rotating outages. Circuits serving residential
customers on life sustaining equipment who are registered with the
Pasadena Fire Department will be exempted from rolling blackouts.
How
can I find out the circuit that I'm on?
Your
circuit number is located on your PWP utility bill.
Call
Customer Service at 626-744-4005.
Call
the AnswerLine at 626-744-6970.
How
do I know if my circuit will be affected by a blackout?
Call
Customer Service at 626-744-4005.
Call
the Answer Line at 626-744-6970.
Check
PWPweb.com for daily updates.
Watch
KPAS, channel 3.
I
am a PWP “water only” customer do I get my circuit number from you?
Circuit
numbers are only available to PWP electric customers. If you are a
"water only" customer, please contact your electric service
provider.
If
my circuit is the first one chosen for a blackout, does that mean that my
circuit will always be the first to lose power?
No.
PWP tracks the order of the groups of circuits that have been
interrupted and rotates them to make sure that the same groups will
not always be first.
Will
we have more rolling blackouts?
Possibly.
The ISO determines how much power is needed to safeguard reliability
in California. In the event there is a Stage III Emergency (generation
reserves fall to 1½ % or less), the ISO will notify PWP how much of
its load (power) it is required to blackout.
Because
statewide power shortages can occur very rapidly, the ISO provides
very little advanced notice to cut load. However, we will do our best
to minimize blackouts and advise our customers on the best ways to
stay safe should they occur.
