SoCal Edison warns shutoff could be possible during heat wave, encourages energy conservation

The sweltering heat wave gripping Southern California can not only put a strain on you, but on the state's power grid as well.

SoCal Edison is warning that power shutoffs could be possible, and it's asking residents to conserve energy as the region powers through this period of hot temperatures.

To help conserve energy, the utility encourages people to use large appliances outside of peak demand hours: before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m.

"Unplug your coffee maker if you're not using it. Unplug your charging device if you're not using it," said SoCal Edison's Diane Castro.

To help avoid a strain on the grid and your wallet, set your thermostat to 78 degrees. When you're not home, set it to 85 degrees.

If you need a place to cool off, here's a list of cooling centers across Southern California where you can get free AC..