With Tuesday expected to be the hottest day, the late summer heat wave gripping the Silver State and western U.S. has prompted NV Energy to ask customers to continue to conserve energy daily during the heat wave between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday to help reduce strain on the western U.S. electric grid.
Conservation ensures its electric grid is in the best position possible to meet the needs of customers during this period of high energy demand.
Effective measures to conserve energy include:
— Adjust the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to reduce the use of air conditioning, barring any medical issues, and use ceiling fans to cool people and pets. Pre-cool your home prior to 5 p.m.
— Use large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and electric clothes dryers before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
— Only run your pool pump 8 to 12 hours a day and schedule it to run after 8 p.m.
— Charge electric vehicles before 10 a.m. or at night after 8 p.m. NV Energy offers an EV time of use rate to help customers save money by charging during off-peak hours.
— Turn off unnecessary lights
More tips are available at nvenergy.com/powershift.
Meanwhile, high temperatures of 100-105 degrees with morning low temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above average for early September has prompted the Heat Advisory through Wednesday night for western Nevada including Washoe County, the greater Carson City, Carson Valley areas, Storey, Lyon and Mineral counties, Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake, and in Lassen and Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra counties and Surprise Valley, Calif.
Isolated locations may reach 107 degrees across portions of the Nevada Basin and Range Tuesday.
The prolonged period of heat may significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those without sufficient cooling or hydration resources, and those working or participating in outdoor activities, according to the weather service.
The hottest day of this heat wave is expected to Tuesday with highs reaching or exceeding their all-time records for the month of September. After another record-breaking day on Wednesday, temperatures will drop off a few degrees each day through the remainder of the week. However, they will remain well above average and some health impacts may still be possible.
The weather service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
Check back for updates.
