Morning before a Flex Alert, consumers should:

• Pre-cool their homes by lowering air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees
• Close blinds and drapes to keep the sun from heating up the home
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use dishwashers, washing machines, and other major appliances
• Set pool pumps to run early in the morning
• Charge mobile devices and laptops
• Charge electric vehicles

During a Flex Alert, when conservation is needed, consumers should:

• Set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits
• Avoid using dishwashers, washers, dryers, and ovens
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Unplug or turn off electrical devices that you are not using
• Keep blinds and drapes closed to prevent the sun from heating up the home
• Use fans when possible

For information on Flex Alerts, and to find more electricity conservation tips, visit Ways to save energy (flexalert.org).

The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides grants up to $2,500 in Santa Barbara County. This funding does not require repayment of any kind. If you are a gardener, hairdresser, street vendor, freelancer, pet groomer or any kind of micro business, THIS OPPORTUNITY IS FOR YOU!

Click Here to Apply

For assistance in English & Spanish call (805) 880-9352.

I was happy to join SB Unified School District at Adams Elementary School for their Flip the Switch ribbon cutting. Flip the Switch has been years in the process. It is a project to install solar panels district-wide at 14 schools. The solar panels will provide the school with renewable energy and serve about 98% of the total school district’s power needs upon completion. As part of the installation, they will add 3.8 MW batteries, which are now even more crucial to reduce energy usage during the dirty 4-9 pm time.