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SMUD issues 'Peak Alert' for today

By Deb Kollars - dkollars@sacbee.com Sacramento Bee 6/21/08

With temperatures higher than anticipated today, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has issued a "Peak Alert" and is asking customers to limit their use of electricity this afternoon through 9 p.m. tonight.

The forecast had been for a high of around 97, but this morning the expected high was pushed upward to 102 for Sacramento.

SMUD is asking residential customers to raise thermostat settings on air conditioners to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and limit the use of household appliances and water, both hot and cold.

Commercial and industrial customers are being asked to reduce the use of lighting not needed for safety purposes in lobbies, warehouses, hallways, garages and displays, as well as other equipment.

SMUD spokesman Bob Burns said the utility does not anticipate having to take more severe moves, such as implementing its Peak Corps off-cycling program or rotating outages. With help from customers, he said, the utility should be able to avoid power shortfalls.

"We're on watch basically," Burns said.