As a prolonged period of high temperatures is expected to impact the region beginning Friday, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is taking proactive steps to prepare for increased energy demand, support grid reliability and help customers stay informed and prepared as conditions evolve.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for portions of San Diego and Orange counties from Friday morning through Thursday evening. The agency is forecasting a long-duration heat wave, with temperatures on the hottest days potentially reaching around 90 degrees near the coast and the upper 90s to 100s in the valleys.  

As temperatures rise, so does energy demand across the region as homes and businesses use more electricity to stay cool. SDG&E plans and prepares year-round for periods of high demand by forecasting customer energy needs, monitoring weather and grid conditions, and taking steps to help ensure the electric system is ready during periods of high use.  

“Readiness during an extended weather event requires constant attention,” said Kevin Geraghty, chief operating and safety officer. “Our teams are continuously monitoring weather, energy demand and system conditions, adjusting operational plans as conditions evolve, and positioning personnel and resources so teams can respond quickly if conditions affect equipment or electric service while keeping customers informed.”

Customers can also help support regional reliability and manage their energy use by reducing or shifting nonessential electricity use between 4 and 9 p.m., when energy demand is typically highest. Small actions across the region can collectively help reduce stress on the electric system during prolonged periods of high demand.

Smart Energy Tips During Hot Weather 

Customers can take the following steps to stay comfortable, manage energy use and help support grid reliability: 

• Pre-cool your home earlier in the day, before temperatures and energy demand peak. 
• Set the thermostat a few degrees higher, health permitting.  
• Close blinds, shades and curtains to help block out the heat. 
• Use ceiling or portable fans when possible to reduce air-conditioning use. 
• Delay using major appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and ovens, until after 9 p.m. 
• Unplug electronics when they are not in use or use a smart power strip to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
• Find a Cool Zone. Cool Zones provide a safe, air-conditioned place for people who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. Visiting a Cool Zone can help residents stay comfortable during the hottest parts of the day while reducing home cooling costs.  

While prolonged heat and increased energy demand remain the primary concerns, forecasts also indicate dry conditions and offshore winds developing later this week and strengthening through the weekend. Customers in high fire threat areas are encouraged to review their emergency plans, update their contact information and prepare in case a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is initiated. SDG&E is monitoring conditions closely and taking proactive steps to support public safety, maintain situational awareness and keep customers informed as conditions evolve.

Personal preparedness is also an important part of weather readiness. Customers are encouraged to: 

• Stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Check on older adults, family members and neighbors who may need additional support.
• Charge mobile devices and portable batteries. 
• Review household emergency supplies and preparedness plans. 
• Confirm that contact information is current in My Energy Center.  
• Prepare for the possibility of weather-related outages and monitor communications from SDG&E.

For high-heat resources and energy-saving information, customers can visit SDGE.com/HighHeat. Customers potentially affected by changing wildfire or Public Safety Power Shutoff conditions will receive direct communications from SDG&E as information becomes available, or can visit SDGE.com/Ready.