Dear Constituent,

We are experiencing a historic heat wave that is forecast to impact our area and the rest of the state through at least Wednesday, possibly longer. With these high temperatures, electricity use has gone up, putting stress on the state's ability to meet the increased electricity demand. As a result, California's electricity grid operator may call for more rolling blackouts.

Here are several steps that each of us can take to stay as cool as possible and reduce our electricity use to help limit the need for rolling blackouts.

Here in the East Bay, west of the hills, most of us do not have air conditioning. To help keep your home cool:

• Open windows in the evening and at night, when safe, to cool your home.
• Close windows and close shades, or cover your windows, before the day heats up to prevent cool air from escaping and to keep warm air out.
• Try not to use major appliances like your oven, dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer. These appliances all give off heat when used. If we can avoid using them for a few days, we can keep our homes cooler. If necessary, run them in the early morning.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.

To help reduce the need for more rolling blackouts:

• Avoid using major appliances during peak energy-use hours from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full.
• If you have air conditioning, run it overnight at 72° and in the morning to pre-cool your home. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., make sure to set it to no lower than 78°.
• If you have an electric water heater, turn it down to 120° or the "normal" setting. Water heating accounts for about 13 percent of home electricity costs.
• Unplug phone chargers, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use.

If your home is just getting too hot, and you are vulnerable to heat stress, Contra Costa County has opened a cooling center in Richmond at 1305 Macdonald Ave.

I hope you find this information helpful. It is an honor to serve you in the state Senate.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Senator, 9th District