LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — An NV Energy representative told 13 Action News that the company is asking customers in the state to conserve electricity due to excessive heat, and the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have a lot of customers that are at home, our homes are becoming offices and becoming schools so there is a lot," said Patricia Rodriguez.
NV Energy is urging its electric customers in both Northern and Southern Nevada to conserve electricity Tuesday and Wednesday between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. in order to offset energy supply issues caused by record-breaking heat throughout the Western United States.
“There are possibilities of having rolling blackouts, and that is the truth," Rodriguez said. “Everyone wants more power to stay cool”
Tuesday temp: 113° high expected in Las Vegas, beating out 111° Aug. 18 record set in 1992
Conservation is the best way to reduce strain on the local power grid.
“It’s so important for us to educate our customers, and we’re using every medium possible," Rodriguez said.
Effective measures to conserve energy during this time period include:
- Turn off lights
- Turn off pool pumps
- Unplug appliances not in use
- Avoid using large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and electric clothes dryers
- Adjust the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to reduce the use of air conditioning during this time, barring any medical issues, and use ceiling fans to cool people and pets. Precool your home prior to 2 p.m.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible Close window coverings to keep the heat out
- Do not charge electric vehicles between 2 and 9 p.m.
More energy-saving information is available here.
“We understand that many of our customers are home during this time due to the pandemic, and appreciate any small changes they can make to reduce their energy use today,” said Josh Langdon, NV Energy Vice President of Transmission. “By conserving energy together we will help prevent the current Western United States energy supply shortage from escalating into a more serious reliability problem.”
Dealing with the Las Vegas heat and staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
For more information about the current status of the company’s electric system visit online or follow NV Energy on social media.
