Riverside, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO), the agency in charge of the state’s power grid, has called for a Flex Alert for Southern California asking for voluntary energy conservation as triple digit temperatures are expected to soar past 100 to 110 degrees in the region today and into tomorrow.

Locally, Riverside Public Utilities (RPU), the majority electricity provider for the City of Riverside, is also asking its customers to take action to reduce energy use throughout their service territory to help ensure the stability of both the local and state power grids.

Quick and easy energy conservation steps include setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher; keeping window blinds closed; cooling off with fans; turning off unneeded lighting, computers, and electronics; and waiting to use appliances like dish and clothes washers until the evening or early morning hours.

Continued voluntary conservation measures and wise energy use through easy steps like these can lead to big energy savings that can help to offset the need to call for larger system disruptions and possible outages.

Riverside residents are also encouraged to turn off their air conditioning and visit one of the City’s Cooling Centers to save energy and get away from the heat. For a list of Riverside Cooling Centers visit www.ReadyRiverside.com.

For additional conservation tips, updates on Riverside Public Utilities and for programs to help make homes and businesses more energy wise, visit RiversidePublicUtilities.com or call (951) 826-5485.

Established in 1895, Riverside Public Utilities is a consumer-owned water and electric utility that provides high quality, reliable services to over 108,000 metered electric customers and up to 65,000 metered water customers throughout the City of Riverside. The Utility is committed to increased use of renewable energy resources and sustainable living practices that help reduce environmental impacts within the City of Riverside and the state of California.  www.RiversidePublicUtilities.com