Power Outages Continue In Marin County Amid Heat Wave

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Thousands of Pacific Gas and Electric customers continue to be without power Monday in Marin County amid a scorching heat wave impacting the San Francisco Bay Area and most of California.

Here are the latest outage statistics as of noon Monday, according to PG&E's outage map:

• Fairfax: one outage; 143 customers impacted
• Mill Valley: four outages; 5,812 customers impacted
• Novato: one outage; 53 customers impacted
• San Rafael: four outages; 48 customers impacted
• Santa Venetia: one outage; 25 customers impacted
• Tamalpais-Homestead Valley: three outages; 160 customers impacted

PG&E advised the public to be ready for power outages as the utility's meteorologists expected temperatures to continue to climb through Wednesday.

The company called on the public Monday to conserve power to prevent rotating outages. Power conservation can help take pressure off the power grid and reduce outages caused by the heat, according to PG&E.

PG&E Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Usage

• Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.
• Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.
• Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won't have to work as hard to cool the home.
• Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
• Limit the opening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
• Clean clothes and dishes early: Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10 p.m.

PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool

• Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.
• Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Have a buddy system: Check in on elderly or frail people.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty.
• Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
• Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.