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-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District has issued a voluntary Conserve Alert from Tuesday, August 5, through Friday, August 8, urging customers to reduce electricity usage in anticipation of dangerously high temperatures. The alert comes in response to an Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service, with temperatures expected to soar between 110 and 116 degrees Fahrenheit across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
The heat warning, in effect from midnight Tuesday to midnight Friday, covers all of IID’s service territory. The district is encouraging residents to conserve energy during peak demand hours while taking necessary precautions to stay safe and cool.
“While IID’s power supply remains sufficient, we are urging customers to take voluntary steps to conserve energy during this period of extreme heat,” said Matt Smelser, IID Power Manager. “Reducing energy use, especially during peak hours, helps safeguard our electric grid, ensures continued reliability for all customers, and minimizes the likelihood of service disruption.”
Although IID has planned for seasonal demand surges and maintains power reserves, sustained high temperatures can still place significant stress on the energy system. To help manage grid reliability, customers are encouraged to take simple energy-saving steps, such as avoiding the use of major appliances—including washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, and electric vehicle chargers—between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Residents are also advised to set thermostats to 78°F or higher when at home, turn off unnecessary lights, and use ceiling or floor fans for cost-effective cooling, remembering to switch them off when leaving a room. Additionally, blocking sunlight by using shades, blinds, or drapes indoors, and awnings, trees, or shrubs outside can help keep homes cooler and reduce energy use.
More energy-saving tips are available at www.iid.com. Customers are also encouraged to follow IID on social media, use the IID Connect mobile app, and register their email through the online bill payment portal or by calling 1-800-303-7756.
IID officials emphasized that community cooperation during peak hours plays a vital role in maintaining system reliability and avoiding unplanned outages during extreme weather conditions.