Heat breaks temperature, energy use records in Merced

The Merced Irrigation District saw the highest demand for electricity in its history this week, district officials said.

MID’s electric system reached 102.2 megawatts on Monday, when temperatures in Merced reached 106 degrees. MID powers about 8,300 residence and business customers, but Monday’s measurements are equivalent to powering 20,000 homes at the same time, district officials explained.

Monday’s heat also broke a record of 101 degrees set in 2012. Temperatures have fallen to the mid-90s through the week, with Thursday peaking at 94.

Scott Rowe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford, said the Merced area will see a constant pattern hovering over the 90s into next week, which is average for this time of year.

On Thursday, the weather service warned Merced residents about areas of smoke. Rowe said smoke from the Rough fire in Fresno County is drifting into the the north Valley, and some residents in Merced may see or smell it.

The Rough fire, which started July 31, has surpassed 32,000 acres and is 3 percent contained, the Fresno Bee reported.

Temperatures on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are expected to reach a high of 94.

As the warm pattern continues, the Merced Irrigation District urges residents to help conserve energy. Some ways to reduce electric bills include:

▪ Open blinds and shades to allow for natural light.

▪ Install compact fluorescent lights.

▪ Wash full loads. It takes about the same time to wash small and large loads.

▪ Clean lint from the clothes dryer after each load to increase its efficiency.

▪ Line-dry clothes. This can save up to 5 percent on an energy bill.

▪ Adjust refrigerator temperature settings. Optimum refrigerator range is 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and optimum freezer range is 0 to 5 degrees.

▪ Defrost refrigerator regularly. Frost buildup causes the motor to work harder, increasing energy use.

▪ Cook with a full oven. If cooking multiple dishes, cook dishes simultaneously.

▪ Use leftover heat as food warmer once oven is turned off.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Heat breaks temperature, energy use records in Merced."