Stay Cool, Stay Safe: A Summer Energy Roundup from SCE
Summer in Southern California means one thing above all: heat. And with rising temperatures come rising energy bills, added strain on the power grid, and a handful of everyday hazards worth knowing about before they catch you off guard. Southern California Edison has put together a few resources to help customers navigate it all: from staying safe and prepared during high-heat days and outages, to cutting cooling costs with a smart thermostat, to keeping pool and spa areas free of electrical hazards. Below, we've rounded up three of their latest articles to help you stay cool, safe, and in control of your energy bill all season long.
Prepare for Power Outages and High Heat
As temperatures climb, energy use climbs with them! Putting extra strain on the grid and raising the odds of a heat-related outage. A little preparation now can make a big difference if the power does go out.
Key tips:
Sign up for outage alerts so you always know what's happening in your area.
Put together an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, medications, and a flashlight (skip the candles).
Know where your nearest cooling center is in case your home gets too hot to stay in safely.
Read the full article from SCE here!
Cut Your Cooling Costs with a Smart Thermostat
Beating the heat doesn't have to mean a bigger bill. Upgrading to a smart thermostat lets you manage your home's temperature remotely, and could trim your energy costs by up to 30% a year.
Key tips:
Precool your home before 4 p.m., when energy costs are lower, instead of cranking the AC during peak hours.
Keep your house around 85 degrees when you're away rather than shutting the AC off entirely, it's easier on your system than starting from scratch.
Look into SCE's Smart Energy Program, which offers up to $125 in bill credits for customers who enroll after upgrading.
Read the full article from SCE here!
Keep Your Pool Area Electrically Safe
Pools and spas are summer staples, but water and electricity are a risky combination. A few precautions can keep pool days fun instead of dangerous.
Key tips:
Make sure any outlets, lights, pumps, or heaters within 20 feet of water have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and test them monthly.
Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, especially when handling long-handled pool tools.
If you ever feel tingling in the water, get out immediately without touching any metal ladders or rails.
Read the full article from SCE here!