Despite requests from cities throughout the state to be notified when and where these power outages will occur, it is impossible for energy providers to inform the public prior to blackouts. To reduce the risk of power outages, the most important action we can take is to use less energy. The City of Arcata has instituted a program of energy reduction and conservation and has directed the Energy Committee to recommend other strategies for dealing with the energy challenge, including pursuing the possibility of a municipally-owned energy provider. While this may take years to implement, here are a number of steps you can take to cut energy use at home and at work in order to reduce electricity demand, lower energy bills, and avoid shortages. Take a shower instead of a bath.
Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household.
You can use 15-25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5 minute shower. Turn out lights in empty rooms. Cut the use of non-essential appliances. When not in use, turn off computers and other electronic equipment completely. Use lower washing temperatures and line dry clothes whenever you can.