LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2006

As an unprecedented heat wave continues across the Southland, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) officials today urged customers to practice wise energy use to reduce pressure on the system.

As of about 11 a.m. this morning, LADWP reported that nearly 16,000 customers were without power. The majority of problems have been experienced in the San Fernando Valley, where nearly 300 neighborhoods have lost power. About 70 neighborhoods in the Metro area have been affected.

"We need all Angelenos help, as we tackle this extreme heat wave and the demand it has placed on our electrical system. The City and region have cooling centers available and we can all take steps to conserve energy to lessen the demand on our infrastructure and help get power back on more rapidly," said Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa.

LADWP crews are working around the clock to fix trouble spots. More than 70 crews have been dispatched, including electric maintenance technicians from outlying areas such as the Owens Valley.

Although LADWP has adequate power to meet the City's needs, General Manager Ron Deaton strongly urged that people conserve power due to the unprecedented level of demand.

"We are experiencing extended power outages due to high temperatures and record-breaking energy demand," Deaton said. "Therefore we are urging our customers to conserve energy and to exercise patience and understanding as our crews work around the clock to restore service.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this unprecedented heat wave."

Due to the widespread nature of the outages, customers are advised that it may take up to 30 hours or more for power to be restored.

During the last seven days, LADWP experienced four of its six highest energy load peaks ever.

-- Friday (7/21): 5868 (160 above the record peak last year)

-- Saturday (7/22): 5765 (almost 600 MW higher than previous Sat record)

-- Sunday (7/23): 5224 (almost 450 MW over our previous Sunday record)

LADWP offers these ways to keep cool and use energy efficiently:

-- Turn off lights when not in use.

-- Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage.

-- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day--use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.

-- Try to avoid cooking during peak hours of the day since it will add to the heat inside the home.

-- Ventilate your home at night by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.

Some other suggestions for businesses include:

-- Turning off your desk and overhead lights, and meeting room lights, if they are not needed.

-- Keep personal appliance use to a minimum.

-- Turn off all computer equipment when you leave the office or when they are not being used.

-- Be sure your computer equipment goes into the sleep mode when not in use. (80% savings in energy use)

-- Go paperless when possible. Reduced printing and copying translates into reduced energy use.

-- Promote "casual Friday dress" as a means of raising the cooling settings on thermostats.