San Diego Gas & Electric customers, including those in Encinitas, will see a credit of nearly $50 on their September electric bills as a record heat wave eases across the region.

The credit applies to all SDG&E electric customers, KPBS reported Wednesday, Sept. 9. Customers who get electricity through a community power program will receive a $9 credit. SDG&E natural gas customers will receive $6.

The credits arrive after a five-day heat wave that pushed North County temperatures to record highs. Escondido hit 112 degrees and Vista reached 105 on Wednesday, Sept. 9, according to the North Coast Current, citing preliminary National Weather Service data.

More than 20,000 SDG&E customers lost power countywide over a 24-hour period, and the utility reported more than 30 heat-related outages in that span, according to CBS 8.

SDG&E said its system was holding up "pretty well" despite the strain. Spokesperson Humberto Gurmilan told KPBS the utility was fully staffed around the clock, from its meteorological team to repair crews.

"This is something that we prepare for, not only over the last few days, but we've been preparing for this just year-round," Gurmilan said.

Jayme Ackemann, director of communications at the California Independent System Operator (CA ISO), told KPBS the agency has added more than 35,000 megawatts of energy and 17,000 megawatts of battery storage since 2020. That was the last year California experienced rotating outages. Ackemann said the system is in good shape but officials are watching load and demand closely each day.

The Extreme Heat Warning covering San Diego County coastal areas and inland valleys was set to expire at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. A Heat Advisory remained in effect through 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Coastal areas including Encinitas were expected to cool into the 80s and lower 90s Thursday.

Both SDG&E and CA ISO urged residents to avoid running large appliances during peak afternoon hours and to check on neighbors who lack air conditioning or are vulnerable to heat.

Designated Cool Zones in the Encinitas area included the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch Library at 2081 Newcastle Ave., the Encinitas Branch Library at 540 Cornish Drive and the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center at 2710 Manchester Ave. Residents with billing questions can reach SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 or at sdge.com.