2017 “Conserve Energy SoCal” Campaign Kicks Off with Light Program at the Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Wheel

Now in its second year, the Conserve Energy SoCal program promotes
energy conservation during the summer months by highlighting the
critical links between the region’s natural gas and electricity systems

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The 2017 Conserve
Energy SoCal campaign will kick off tonight at dusk with a
special light program on the solar-powered Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel at
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Tonight’s display will feature
brilliant images and colors in the shape of the sun, lightbulbs, and
fans, to remind Southern Californians to take action to conserve natural
gas and electricity. Programs will run throughout the summer every other
Wednesday evening through September 20.

Now in its second year, the Conserve Energy SoCal campaign
promotes energy conservation during the summer months by highlighting
the links between the region’s natural gas and electricity systems. The
program was first introduced last summer to bring Southern Californians
together to conserve energy, save money and reduce the risk of natural
gas and electricity shortages.

Conserve Energy SoCal is a joint campaign by the Energy Providers
of Southern California, a consortium of natural gas and electric
utilities, along with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC),
California Independent System Operator (ISO) and local city governments.

The links between natural gas and electricity

About 60 percent of the electricity generated in California comes from
power plants that run on natural gas. With the limited availability of
natural gas from the Aliso Canyon storage facility, there is less
natural gas locally to produce electricity, particularly during the
high-usage periods created by hot weather. During heat waves or periods
of stress on the region’s energy systems, the limited availability of
locally stored natural gas could lead to power outages.

The Conserve Energy SoCal initiative, in part, supports ISO’s
Flex Alert program, which ISO reported achieved an average of 500
megawatts in voluntary conservation during each of three alerts issued
last summer. That equates roughly to the amount of electricity used to
power about 500,000 homes.

About the campaign

This summer, Conserve Energy SoCal advertisements and promotions
will encourage conservation when a Flex Alert is issued. The campaign
will inform Southern Californian’s about the role natural gas plays in
electricity generation and provide conservation tips throughout the
summer, particularly during peak times when local natural gas shortages
are more likely to impact the electric grid. Additionally, Conserve
Energy SoCal will promote the benefits of conservation—like lower
natural gas and electric bills for both residents and businesses.

Through public education and programming, as well as the collective
efforts of all residents, businesses and agencies, the Energy Providers
of Southern California aim to make 2017 another strong year for
conservation.

Campaign content will be shared via the www.ConserveEnergySoCal.com
website, Twitter
and Facebook
social media accounts, and paid advertising.

In addition to light shows at the iconic solar-powered Pacific Wheel,
the “Hot Days, Hot Deals” program will also return for a second summer.
Hot Days, Hot Deals is a series of promotions and discounts offered by
local businesses, designed to encourage people to get out of the house
and reduce personal energy usage, by checking out some of the great
retailers and attractions SoCal has to offer.

About the Energy Providers of Southern California

The Energy Providers of Southern California is a coalition of the
Greater Los Angeles region’s natural gas and electric utilities, in
partnership with the California Public Utilities Commission, the
California Independent System Operator and local city governments.

Members include: Azusa Light & Water (ALW), Burbank Water & Power (BWP),
California Independent System Operator (ISO), City of Colton Electric
Utility (CCEL), Glendale Water & Power (GWP), Los Angeles Department of
Water & Power (LADWP), Pasadena Water & Power (PWP), Riverside Public
Utilities (RPU), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Southern California
Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), Southern
California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), and the Southern California
Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN).

For energy-saving tips, and further information on The Energy Providers
of Southern California and Conserve Energy SoCal, please visit www.ConserveEnergySoCal.com,
or visit us on Twitter
and Facebook.

Contacts

Energy Providers of Southern California
Alison Deffner, 970-372-3930
[email protected]