SDG&E Expects to Meet Summer Power Supply Demand

SAN DIEGO, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced it has secured adequate electricity supplies and required reserves to meet customers' expected energy needs this summer, barring extreme weather conditions.

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The California Independent Systems Operator (Cal-ISO), the agency responsible for managing the statewide power grid, has issued its 2011 Summer Assessment confirming adequate supplies to meet the projected electricity demand across the state – even if hotter-than-average temperatures occur.

"This year forecasters are predicting a warmer summer compared to last year when San Diego experienced unusually cool temperatures during the summer months, said David L. Geier, vice president of electric operations for SDG&E.  "Even though our resources are ample, we want to remind our customers that conservation is important especially when unexpected conditions like a heat wave or transmission emergency arise."

In addition to conservation helping to maintain electric resources, it also helps customers save money on their energy bill.  The less energy customers use the lower their energy bills will continue to be.

Statewide, over 1,800 megawatts (MW) of new generation resources have been added to the grid since summer 2010, including more than 46 MW of renewable generation, such as solar and wind.

According to Cal-ISO, there is a less-than-one-percent chance for rotating power outages, due to a resource deficiency.

Even with adequate power supplies this summer, conservation and demand-response programs continue to be important to maintain grid reliability when demand for electricity is especially high, such as during an extreme heat wave.

"San Diegans are already doing a great job on energy efficiency and conservation, but we can always do more to go green and save money," Geier added.

SDG&E continues to work on providing the tools and resources to help customers manage their energy use wisely.  By signing up for My Account, SDG&E customers have access to Energy Charts, a tool that customers can use to track their energy usage and take steps to reduce that usage.  These types of tools will help many customers save energy and save on their utility bill.

In addition, SDG&E has numerous energy-efficiency programs, including online tools to survey your own home's energy use, rebates for energy-efficient products, and no-cost, water-saving kits.  The kits include three faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead.  These easy-to-install items maintain a high-pressure flow while reducing water volume.

SDG&E also recommends these additional tips to reduce energy use and costs:

• Turn off unneeded lights, computers and appliances when not in use.  These energy "vampires" can account for 5 percent of your energy use.
• Don't wait until your standard incandescent light bulbs burn out.  Replace them now with compact fluorescent lamps, which use 75 percent less energy and can last 10 times longer.
• Set thermostats at 78 degrees when at home.
• Use major appliances before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Check weather-stripping around doors and caulking around windows.  Properly sealed doors and windows help prevent warm outside air from entering the home.
• Close blinds, shades or drapes during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun's heat.
• Install low-flow, water-saving shower heads to cut water use and save 5 percent to 10 percent on water heating costs.
• Save up to 10 percent of hot water costs by washing full laundry loads in cold water.

For more energy-saving tips to use throughout the year visit www.sdge.com/residential  or call (800) 411-7343.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties.  The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles.  SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help our customers save energy and money every day.  SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric