Excessive heat advisory extended until Tuesday

It was already 94 degrees in Gardnerville at noon today when an excessive heat advisory took effect. On Saturday, the National Weather Service extended the advisory into Tuesday.

Minden hit 100 degrees on Friday and again on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service and is forecast to hit 103 degrees  Sunday and Monday.

The record high temperature in Minden for July 10 was 109 degrees, and for July 11 was 104 degrees, but Monday could see the 101-degree record set July 12, 2002, fall. That would be the third record high set so far this year.

Facing an increased demand on power, NV Energy is urging its customers to conserve electricity 6-9 p.m. today and tomorrow.

Power outages accompanied Friday evening’s electrical storms with NV Energy reporting that 452 Gardnerville customers were without power, with 373 expected to see power again by 7 p.m. and 79 by 6:15 p.m.

By 8:45 p.m. the outages were down to 10 customers in Gardnerville and one in Minden.

Thunderstorms, record-breaking heat and wildfires are affecting electric transmission lines throughout the West. Conservation is the best way to reduce strain on the local power grid.

“We appreciate the support of our customers to voluntarily conserve energy during the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. today and tomorrow,” said Josh Langdon, NV Energy Vice President of Transmission. “These efforts will have a big impact on helping us continue to maintain a stable power grid and reliable service for all of our customers.”

Effective measures to conserve energy during this time period include:

• Turn off lights

• Turn off pool pumps

• Unplug appliances not in use

• Avoid using large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and electric clothes dryers

• Adjust the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher to reduce the use of air conditioning during this time, barring any medical issues, and use ceiling fans to cool people and pets. Pre-cool your home prior to 6 p.m.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible

• Close window coverings to keep the heat out

• Do not charge electric vehicles between 6 and 9 p.m.

For more information about the current status of the company’s electric system visit nvenergy.com/call-for-conservation or follow NV Energy on Facebook and Twitter.