LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Southern California Gas Co. today issued a ``Dial It Down'' Alert through Friday, in light of this week's cold weather and rain forecast. Southern Californians are urged to reduce their natural gas use, particularly in the evenings when usage is typically highest. During periods of cold weather, demand for natural gas for heat, hot water and cooking can put a strain on the natural gas system, according to company officials.
Dial It Down Alerts call on customers to voluntarily conserve electricity. To reduce natural gas use during a Dial It Down Alert, SoCalGas customers are encouraged to take simple steps, such as setting thermostats to 68 degrees when they are home and 55 degrees when they are not home.
Other ways to reduce natural gas use include:
-- washing clothes in cold water;
-- taking shorter showers;
-- reducing the temperature on water heaters;
-- running only full loads of dishes and clothes;
-- using low-flow shower heads;
-- keeping windows and doors closed when the heater is on; and
-- dressing warmer.
More information on SoCalGas' Dial It Down Alert energy conservation program can be found at socalgas.com/dialitdown.