DOING OUR PART TO CONSERVE ENERGY
Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian
July 25, 2006
Several consecutive days of temperatures soaring past 100 degrees have put a tremendous strain on our state’s power grid.
Today, Governor Schwarzenegger issued the directive below. I commend the Governor for showing decisive, responsible leadership to ensure California is able to meet its record power demand during these sweltering summer days. But if record temperatures and peak power demand continues into the foreseeable future, we may be facing rolling blackouts across the state unless all Californians do our part to conserve power. It’s time to do our part if we are to get through these hot days without experiencing power blackouts.
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER ISSUES DIRECTIVE TO IMMEDIATELY CONSERVE ENERGY
Following the California Independent System Operator (ISO) declaration of a Stage 1 Power Alert, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today took immediate action to initiate conservation efforts.
"The state’s power reserves are at ample levels at the moment. However, forecasts by the California Independent System Operator indicate that the reserves could be stretched thin this afternoon and evening due extremely high temperatures across California. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, I am directing State agencies to take immediate action to cut back power usage," said Governor Schwarzenegger.
The Governor has directed the Department of Water Resources to curtail pumping at the State Water Project to the maximum extent possible until after 8 p.m. Additionally, the Governor ordered state agencies with weekend operations to take the following steps:
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 and computers when not in use,
Avoid use of heavy machinery, including copiers, printers, dishwashers, dryers, etc. until after 8 p.m.
The directive has the potential to save hundreds of megawatts and ensure the reliability of the state’s electrical grid. The Governor ordered state agencies to prepare energy conservation plans in an Executive Order issued in July 2004.
This directive will stay in force until 8 pm this evening or until the ISO declares an end to the Stage 1 alert.
As part of the Governor’s directive, the Governor asked that other government entities outside his direct executive authority, including constitutional officers, the legislative and judicial branches, and the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges actively participate in the energy conservation effort.
Since the Governor took office in November 2003, more than 4,500 Megawatts of power has come online in California and many transmission bottlenecks have been eliminated to save ratepayers money and move electricity to where it is needed.
The Governor has consistently underscored the need for energy conservation, urging all Californians to "flex their power" by using energy wisely. He advises Californians to take simple steps to reduce peak demand including:
Setting thermostats to 78 degrees
Running big appliances at night
Buying efficient appliances
Joining one of the voluntary programs that help save energy
For more information about what individual Californians can do to help, please visit www.fypower.org.
The Governor also urged residences and businesses to make cost effective investments in energy efficiency and join a demand response program. Demand response programs provide financial incentives for customers to reduce power use during periods of peak demand. They allow utilities to count on energy reduction and avoid running extra "peaking" power plants, which tend to be less efficient and more polluting.
Stage 1 Power Alert
Consumers are urged to reduce their use of electricity voluntarily to avoid severe conditions.
Stage 2 Power Alert
Voluntary interruption of service to select customers is possible to avoid more severe conditions.
Stage 3 Power Alert
Consumers are advised that involuntary interruptions of service have begun and will continue until the emergency has passed.
Today, Governor Schwarzenegger issued the directive below. I commend the Governor for showing decisive, responsible leadership to ensure California is able to meet its record power demand during these sweltering summer days. But if record temperatures and peak power demand continues into the foreseeable future, we may be facing rolling blackouts across the state unless all Californians do our part to conserve power. It’s time to do our part if we are to get through these hot days without experiencing power blackouts.
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER ISSUES DIRECTIVE TO IMMEDIATELY CONSERVE ENERGY
Following the California Independent System Operator (ISO) declaration of a Stage 1 Power Alert, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today took immediate action to initiate conservation efforts.
"The state’s power reserves are at ample levels at the moment. However, forecasts by the California Independent System Operator indicate that the reserves could be stretched thin this afternoon and evening due extremely high temperatures across California. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, I am directing State agencies to take immediate action to cut back power usage," said Governor Schwarzenegger.
The Governor has directed the Department of Water Resources to curtail pumping at the State Water Project to the maximum extent possible until after 8 p.m. Additionally, the Governor ordered state agencies with weekend operations to take the following steps:
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 and computers when not in use,
Avoid use of heavy machinery, including copiers, printers, dishwashers, dryers, etc. until after 8 p.m.
The directive has the potential to save hundreds of megawatts and ensure the reliability of the state’s electrical grid. The Governor ordered state agencies to prepare energy conservation plans in an Executive Order issued in July 2004.
This directive will stay in force until 8 pm this evening or until the ISO declares an end to the Stage 1 alert.
As part of the Governor’s directive, the Governor asked that other government entities outside his direct executive authority, including constitutional officers, the legislative and judicial branches, and the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges actively participate in the energy conservation effort.
Since the Governor took office in November 2003, more than 4,500 Megawatts of power has come online in California and many transmission bottlenecks have been eliminated to save ratepayers money and move electricity to where it is needed.
The Governor has consistently underscored the need for energy conservation, urging all Californians to "flex their power" by using energy wisely. He advises Californians to take simple steps to reduce peak demand including:
Setting thermostats to 78 degrees
Running big appliances at night
Buying efficient appliances
Joining one of the voluntary programs that help save energy
For more information about what individual Californians can do to help, please visit www.fypower.org.
The Governor also urged residences and businesses to make cost effective investments in energy efficiency and join a demand response program. Demand response programs provide financial incentives for customers to reduce power use during periods of peak demand. They allow utilities to count on energy reduction and avoid running extra "peaking" power plants, which tend to be less efficient and more polluting.
Stage 1 Power Alert
Consumers are urged to reduce their use of electricity voluntarily to avoid severe conditions.
Stage 2 Power Alert
Voluntary interruption of service to select customers is possible to avoid more severe conditions.
Stage 3 Power Alert
Consumers are advised that involuntary interruptions of service have begun and will continue until the emergency has passed.
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