-Press Release-
For Immediate Release
July 7, 2008
Contact: SCE Media Relations
(626) 302-2255

Southern California Edison Urges Conservation as High Temperatures Prompt State Agency to Call 'Flex Alert'
WEST COVINA, CA - With triple-digit temperatures forecast through many parts of Southern California during the next few days, Southern California Edison (SCE) urges customers to conserve power and is prepared to respond if any outages occur.

The California Independent System Operator, noting the forecast and concerns that wildfires posing potential threats to the California power grid, has declared a "Flex Alert" for Tuesday through Thursday to urge Californians to reduce their energy use during the late afternoon when air conditioners drive consumption to the highest point of the day.

Electricity Supply

• SCE anticipates having sufficient resources to meet forecast electricity demand this week and throughout the summer.
• However, with energy use rising over the next few days, conservation can provide an added reserve should an unexpected power emergency occur such as mechanical problems affecting a major power plant or wildfires shutting down a major transmission system.

Preparation for Outage Response

• SCE and contract crews will be available to restore service in the event of outages that may occur during the current predicted heat wave.
• SCE's policy is to identify outages, make repairs and restore electrical service beginning with problems creating a public hazard, and then with customers without service the longest.

Conservation Tips

• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• Shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.
• Turn off lights in unused areas.

Ways Customers Can Reduce Their Energy Costs and Help Grid Reliability

• SCE has nearly 292,000 customers participating in its "Summer Discount Plan," which allows SCE to remotely turn off willing customers' central air conditioner compressors during a summer power emergency. In exchange, the customers get a credit of up to $200; customers can choose one of two options, depending on how many times they allow SCE to cycle off their air conditioners. Participating customers lower their energy costs and help to ensure a reliable electricity supply. Information on enrolling in the program is available at http://www.sce.com/save .
  
  
• SCE's A/C Tune-Up Program offers up to $150 back to customers for each unit serviced, depending on the level of tune-up they purchase from a licensed contractor. The tune-up must occur by July 31 for customers to be eligible for a rebate. A tune-up includes condenser and evaporator coil cleaning, duct testing and sealing and refrigerant charge adjustments. Customers can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a basic tune-up; an advanced tune-up costs $400 to $600. An A/C Tune-Up Program checklist is available at http://www.sce.com/save .
  
  
• SCE also has a recycling program for refrigerators and freezers. SCE will pay customers $50 to discard their old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, which can cost up to $290 per year to operate. The utility will pick up old models and recycle them in an environmentally responsible manner. Customers also are eligible for $50 rebates for buying new, ENERGY STAR-labeled refrigerators. Information about this program is available at sce.com/RebatesandSavings .
  
  
• Information about other programs is available at: www.sce.com .

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