SoCalGas asks customers to 'dial down' amid chilly Santa Ana winds

Due to cold temperatures in the forecast, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is asking customers to "dial down" through Wednesday.

During periods of cold weather, local demand for natural gas for home heating, hot water and cooking can increase rapidly and put a strain on the natural gas system, officials said.

Southern Californians are urged to reduce their natural gas use, particularly in the evenings when natural gas use is typically highest.

Dial It Down Alerts call on customers to voluntarily conserve electricity, similar to Flex Alerts which typically occur during heat waves.

SoCalGas offered tips to help customers reduce natural gas, including setting the thermostat to 68 degrees when home and 55 degrees when not home.

Other ways to reduce natural gas:

-Washing clothes with cold water
-Taking shorter hot showers
-Reducing the temperature on water heaters
-Running only full loads of dishes and clothes
-Using low-flow shower heads
-Keeping windows and doors closed when the heater is on
-Dressing warmer

More information on SoCalGas' Dial It Down Alert energy conservation program can be found at socalgas.com/dialitdown.