The Heat Is On!

This summer will be more challenging than ever. While we won’t have to relive the power crisis of 2001, there are obstacles ahead.

Environmental regulations forced PWP to retire two power-generating turbines in January. A new $83 million construction project is now underway to replace the equipment with two new clean-burning units. By October, the new 45-megawatt combustion turbines will help provide reliable service, flexibility and stable rates for our customers. But they won’t be running in time to meet the peak summer loads that were once covered by the older equipment.

Pasadena needs an average of 220 megawatts of power each day in moderate weather. On hot days, the demand jumps to from 250 to 295 megawatts and PWP needs a boost to maintain a reliable power supply.

Luckily there is a back-up plan. First, we’re focusing on maintaining our available power-generating equipment and operating it as much as we can under environmental regulations. Next, we’ve brought back our successful Voluntary Load Curtailment Program (VLCP), which rewards large commercial customers who pledge to cut their electricity usage during severe power shortages.

  Finally, we’re stressing conservation, conservation, conservation. Pasadena customers have always been great about cutting their use voluntarily. Most importantly, you can help by shutting off unnecessary lights and equipment and switching your energy use to off-peak hours – before noon and after 7 p.m. You can also visit www.PWPweb.com for a list of energy conservation ideas and an on-line energy use audit or call 744-6970. Be sure to learn more about valuable rebates for EnergyStar™ products, shade trees, whole house fans, energy-efficient fans and solar power systems.

 
With your help, we can beat the heat!

Bottom Line Savings for Your Home Office

  • You’re the boss, so manage your equipment. Activate “sleep” features on computers, copiers and other machines or turn them off completely when you run to the kitchen for a snack. Screen savers don’t save energy.

  • Don’t let profits go out the window. Plug up leaks by weather-stripping between doors and their frames and caulking between window frames and walls. Insulate your office – and your entire home – properly to make the most of cool air.

  • Light your office efficiently with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), task lighting and EnergyStar™ torchiere lamps. This equipment saves energy and burns cooler.

  • Cut your power expenses by up to 30% by choosing EnergyStar™-labeled computers, monitors, printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, lighting, cordless phones, answering machines, audio equipment and room air conditioners.

  • Some phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players and cable boxes eat up energy even while switched off to keep display clocks lit and memory chips and remote controls working. Look for EnergyStar™-labeled electronics that use less energy in the “off” mode.

  • While you’re working, shut heating and cooling vents in unoccupied rooms. Clean or replace air filters once a month to boost efficiency. Give your furnace or heat pump a professional tune-up each year and ask the technician to watch for leaks and make sure the system is sized properly and operating at peak efficiency. Look for EnergyStar™ furnaces and heat pumps.

  • Slash cooling costs by drawing shades or blinds on sun-exposed windows and glass doors.

Be Water Wise

Indoor Conservation

  • Check for leaks and dripping faucets

  • Install low-flow, water-efficient shower heads

  • Wash full loads of laundry and dishes

  • Don’t let the tap water run when brushing your teeth,
shaving or doing dishes

  • If your water meter spins when no water is running,
you probably have a leak

  • Replace your pre-1994 toilet with a water-efficient model

  • Use the garbage disposal less and the garbage can more

Outdoor Conservation

 • Plant shrubs that naturally require less water to flourish

  • Adjust watering schedules to seasons

  • Check pipes, hoses and faucets for leaks

  • Don’t allow water to run continuously when washing cars and pets

  • Use a broom, not water, to clean the driveway and sidewalk

  • If grass springs back after you step on it, it does not need watering

  • Place a layer of mulch or peat moss around trees and flower beds to slow evaporation

  • Water your lawn during cool times of day

  • Install a pool cover

 For additional tips, visit PWPweb.com and click on Your Water or call the PWP AnswerLine at 744-6970.

Correction – PWP’s 2002 Drinking Water Quality Report was recently mailed to all customers and is also available at www.PWPweb.com (click on Your Water). There is a small error on page 2 in the table titled “Pasadena Groundwater and MWD Surface Water Data for Year 2002.” PWP imported more water from Metropolitan Water District last year than in previous years, so the average nitrate level was detectable.
In the section headed “Inorganic Chemicals,” the nitrate average for Pasadena wells should be 4.7 ppm
and the nitrate range should be 2–8.6 ppm. For more information about nitrates, please call PWP’s Water Quality Division at 744-4465.