To Get Through Upcoming Week of Triple Digit Temperatures

Riverside, Calif. – Sizzling triple digit summer heat is expected to hang around for about a week starting tomorrow and lasting through next Tuesday, and Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) is reminding customers to prepare to stay safe, stay cool, and conserve energy when they can to help maintain local and state energy grids.

That means you should set your thermostats to 78 degrees or higher (health permitting); keep those window blinds and/or curtains closed; turn off unneeded lighting, computers, and electronics; and wait until the evening or early morning hours to use appliances like dish and clothes washers.

“These small steps add up to big energy savings system wide when we all pitch in together and do our parts to conserve,” said RPU General Manager Girish Balachandran.

Additional tips that can cut summer energy use but still keep you cool include: cooling off with fans, ceiling fans, and room air conditioners. Don’t have any ceiling fans or room air conditioners? No problem. RPU offers rebates for its electric customers who install qualifying ceiling fans and room air conditioners that can help you save money, save energy, and lower your energy bills. Visit RiversidePublicUtilities.com for complete details or call (951) 826-5485.

Riverside residents are also encouraged to avoid heat-related illnesses by dressing in lightweight clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding long-term exposure in the sun. The City’s Cooling Centers will also be available to residents looking to escape the heatwave. Log on to the City’s web site at www.RiversideCA.gov for information on how to beat the heat and for a list of all the local Cooling Centers, their hours of operation and rules.

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.