By: Rebecca Lucky
Along with the excitement building around the solar eclipse Aug. 21, you may not realize that this celestial event is also going to impact energy production from solar panels during a peak time of day. Much of the energy provided to Menlo Park residents and business comes from solar panels. The eclipse would cause a temporary shift in using more fossil fuels to meet energy demands.
To reduce fossil fuel use during this time, the City is joining a statewide effort to power down during the eclipse.
On Aug. 21, between 9 a.m. and noon, city facilities, such as the library and recreational facilities:
- Will have some lights turned off
- You may see staff using battery operated laptops instead of being plugged in
- Air conditioning may be delayed or thermostats turned up
- Cold lunches will be served at the senior center and child care facilities.
You can also help too by:
- Fully charging your electric car the night before
- Unplugging unused appliances
- Turning off unnecessary lights
- Turning up thermostats by 2-5 degrees
- Not charging electronics during this time.
Businesses and residents can visit
caleclipse.org to learn more about energy conservation and take the “Do Your Thing for the Sun” pledge. Learn more about
Sustainability Division programs.
