Conservation Critical as California ISO Issues Warning of Peak Energy Demand

SAN FRANCISCO, - Jul 15, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Following a brief reprieve from high temperatures around the state today, the mercury will once again rise to triple digits throughout California beginning on Wednesday and continuing through Friday. The weather forecast and near peak usage on Monday has prompted the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) to issue a plea for conservation.

The California ISO is predicting near record energy demand and is reminding Californians to practice conservation. Given this request, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering its customers some simple conservation tips. Following these suggestions can help prevent the state from declaring electrical emergencies such as a Stage 1. This is the first of three stages of electrical emergencies. Stage 3 is when rotating outages can occur.

The following tips can be practiced both at home and the office to save both money and energy:

At the Office: -- Turn Up Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when the work place is occupied, and 85 degrees or off after business hours, health permitting. If your business uses ceiling or room fans, turning them on when rooms occupied allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement keeps you cooler. You can save up to 5 percent for each degree the thermostat is set above 78 degrees.

-- Reduce Lighting: Turn off lights when no one is present. Turn off lights in unoccupied areas, remove excess lighting and turn off signage and other lights not necessary for safety. -- Turn Off Office Equipment: Turn off office equipment or set it to "power saver" mode when not in use. Setting computers, monitors, and copiers to the sleep mode when not in use helps cut energy costs by approximately 40 percent.

-- Use Shades an Blinds: On hot days, draw the curtains and/or shades to keep the sun out. Remember to close doors to the outside to keep in the cooler air. Pacific Gas and Electric Company has a suite of energy efficiency rebate programs available for businesses, including energy surveys, financial incentives, and training and education. Learn more by calling 1-800-468-4743 or visiting www.pge.com/foryourbusiness. At Home: Before you leave for work each day, you can follow these simple steps and come home to a cooler environment each night.

-- Turn Up Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher (health permitting) when at home. When you're away for four hours or more set your thermostat to 85 degrees. These steps can save 10-20 percent on your cooling costs. Purchase a qualifying Energy Star(R) programmable thermostat to help control the temperature and earn a $20 rebate from PG&E.

-- Shades or Blinds: Before you leave your home in the morning, draw your shades and or blinds. This will help keep your home cool during the day while you're away.

-- Appliance Use: Try to wait until after 7 pm to use major appliances, including dishwasher, clothes washer, dryer and oven. Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air-dry dishes instead. PG&E is also offering rebates on qualifying Energy Star(R) dishwashers ($50) and clothes washers ($75).

-- Swimming Pool: If you own a swimming pool, switch pool filter and sweeper operations to off-peak hours. Just as with appliances, wait until after 7 pm to switch the system on. If it's time to replace your old swimming pool pump and motor, you may be eligible for a rebate from PG&E for up to $300.

For more energy saving tips and complete rebate information, please visit our website at www.pge.com/foryourhome or contact PG&E's Smarter Energy Line at 1-800-933-9555.