Excessive Heat Prompts Call For Energy Conservation In Desert

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — The Imperial Irrigation District Thursday announced it will put an energy Conserve Alert into effect for the weekend due to an excessive heat watch forecasted by the National Weather Service.

The alert — which is a call to encourage energy conservation as the demand for power could outstrip supply — will be in effect from Saturday morning to 9 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from the IID.

Related: 'Dangerous' Heat In Desert, Pass Area: Weather Service Issues Warning

"While we do not anticipate any generation resource shortages, by issuing a Conserve Alert, we ask our customers to do what they can to keep cool while helping the local electric grid," said IID Energy manager Jamie Asbury in a statement. "We are appreciative of everyone who helps us conserve."

Conserve Alerts are issued when electrical demand is high, which is generally during heatwaves, IID officials said. Temperatures are expected to range from 109 to 117 degrees Fahrenheit during the excessive heat watch.

IID encourages customers to set their air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., turn off unnecessary lights, unplug or turn off unused electrical devices, keep blinds and drapes closed, and use floor or ceiling fans when possible.

"While IID carefully plans ahead for summer conditions, and the power grid typically has ample reserves to satisfy demand around the clock," IDD officials said in a statement. "IID encourages its customers to voluntarily act to conserve energy during these intense periods of high heat as conservation takes stress off the local grid and can help avoid power outages."

IID provides power to La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes and other unincorporated areas, as well as small parts of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells.

More information can be found at iid.com/conservealert.