Imperial Irrigation District’s Extended Energy Conserve Alert to End Friday

COACHELLA (CNS) – The Imperial Irrigation District’s extended conserve alert due to excessive heat forecast by the National Weather Service is set to be in place through at least Friday evening, although high temperatures are expected to persist into the weekend. The alert — which is a call to encourage energy conservation as the demand for power could outstrip supply — went into effect July 13 and will continue until Friday, according to a statement from the IID. Customers are encouraged to conserve energy from 4 to 9 p.m. "By issuing an IID Conserve Alert, we’re asking customers to do what they can to help the local electric grid, yet stay cool," IID Energy manager Jamie Asbury said in a statement. "By conserving energy, together we can help maintain reliable energy delivery, avert power outages, take stress off energy infrastructure and help customers lower their monthly electric bill." Conserve alerts are issued when electrical demand is high, which is generally during heat waves, IID officials said. An excessive heat warning will be in effect for the Coachella Valley until Saturday night, with temperatures of up to 120 degrees expected. IID encourages customers to set their air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances between 4 and 9 p.m., turn off unnecessary lights, unplug or turn off unused electrical devices, keep blinds and drapes closed, and use floor or ceiling fans when possible. "While IID carefully plans ahead for summer conditions, and the power grid typically has ample reserves to satisfy demand around the clock," IID officials said in a statement. "IID encourages its customers to voluntarily act to conserve energy during these intense periods of high heat as conservation takes stress off the local grid and can help avoid power outages." IID provides power to La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes and other unincorporated areas, as well as small parts of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. More information can be found at iid.com/conservealert. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.