(August 11, 2004) With triple-digit temperatures being predicted up and down the state this week, the California Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to conserve electricity as much as possible.

”When energy demand is high, the combination of many users voluntarily cutting back just a little can make the difference between the power system meeting needs with a comfortable margin or issuing an emergency alert,” said Chamber President Allan Zaremberg. “The California Chamber is encouraging all businesses to join consumers in reducing energy use whenever possible, especially between the peak hours of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.”

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) this week declared Monday and Tuesday as “Power Watch Days” and asked consumers to control their energy use. The ISO is responsible for operation and control of the statewide transmission grid.

The power watch alert is part of the state’s “Flex Your Power Now!” program to let consumers and businesses know when saving energy is critical.

A July 27 executive order issued by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also highlights the importance of energy conservation to help California avert an energy emergency this summer.

The executive order called on state agencies to lead by example in conserving energy and taking steps to boost energy savings.

The voluntary demand response conservation programs available through utility companies are an important element of the ISO’s effort to balance energy demands with supplies. Through these programs, businesses and other customers can earn financial incentives or benefits in exchange for agreeing to reduce or cut off their power when the ISO declares an emergency

The voluntary demand response programs provide a reliable number of megawatts the ISO can count on when energy demand threatens to outstrip supply.

Long-Term Needs
”While energy conservation is an important part of California’s strategy to meet its energy needs, we also need to increase supply to ensure the power infrastructure can meet the demands of our growing state,” Zaremberg said. “A reliable supply of affordable energy is essential to keeping California’s economy on the road to recovery.”

More information and conservation tips are available at www.fypower.org.