THE SURGE

AUGUST 2026

ISSUE 02

The Surge is a quarterly newsletter from your local electricians Sidera Electric. We hope you enjoy it!

Hello CENLA the dog days of summer are coming to an end. At least in theory, because we all know Louisiana summers actually last until December!

Ever wonder where "the dog days of summer" came from? 🐕☀️
It isn't about lazy dogs stretched out on the porch. The phrase comes from Sirius, the "Dog Star," which ancient Romans noticed rising with the Sun during the hottest part of the year. They believed the star added to the summer heat. We know better today, but the name has been around for more than 2,000 years!

It has been a fun summer filled with vacations and camps! School is starting back this month, football season is kicking off, and somewhere in CENLA, a generator is being tested with one extension cord and pure confidence.

See what’s happening around CENLA this month.

ARE YOU HURRICANE READY?

This month we've been helping homeowners across Alexandria and Pineville troubleshoot storm-related electrical issues, panel problems, and generator connections before peak hurricane season arrives. If your breaker keeps tripping, stop resetting it over and over. Your electrical system is waving a white flag, begging for an electrician’s touch. How else can you get ready? Click here to find out.

STORM PREP

Louisiana thunderstorms don't send a calendar invite. They just show up. Before the next round of lightning rolls in, there's one item you should unplug that most homeowners never think about. See if you guessed right. →

LOUISIANA HEAT WAVE

Are Louisiana summers hot enough to fry an egg on the cement.? I’m not sure why the Rooneys thought it was hot enough to fry and egg on the sidewalk as they are wearing suits and ties! Click here to find out if it is possible! (Watch until the end.) When temperatures climb, your air conditioner is working overtime, and so is your electrical system. If your breakers have started tripping more often than usual, don't ignore it. It's a good idea to have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system to make sure everything is handling the extra demand safely.

POWERED UP

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Don't forget about where it's going to "fill up."

One of the biggest perks of owning an EV is charging it right at home. A Level 2 charger can power your vehicle much faster than a standard wall outlet, so instead of making a stop on the way home, you simply plug in for the night and wake up ready to go.

🔌Charges overnight- Start every morning with a full battery.

🔌Skip the charging station- Your garage becomes your own fueling stop.

🔌Saves time- Plug in when you get home and let it charge while you sleep.

🔌Plan for the future- More drivers are making the switch to electric every year, and a home EV charger can be a valuable upgrade.

Most homes can accommodate a Level 2 charger, but it's a good idea to make sure your electrical panel has the capacity. Some installations are as simple as adding a dedicated circuit, while others may benefit from a panel upgrade.

If an electric vehicle is in your future, even if it's a year or two away, it's worth thinking about your home's electrical system now. A little planning today can make the transition much smoother tomorrow. Set up your assessment today to see if your home can handle an EV charger.

⚡WHAT ELSE IS SHOCKING?⚡

Here are some links that we thought were interesting.

Maybe you will too.

⚡Louisiana summers are putting the grid to work. Air conditioning is the largest source of residential electricity use during the summer, and cooling costs are expected to reach record highs this year as temperatures climb.

⚡ Electric vehicles are becoming more affordable. Automakers continue introducing lower-priced EVs, making electric transportation more accessible than ever.

⚡The average home uses electricity in more ways than you might think. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that modern homes rely on electricity for well over 100 different end uses—from air conditioning and water heating to electronics and appliances.

⚡Did the Egyptians get it right?! New research and engineering studies continue to fuel debate over how—and why—it was built.

⚡Squirrels case more power outages than you think. They're notorious for chewing electrical wiring, both inside homes and on utility equipment.

SIDERA’S SIGNATURE SUMMER DRINK

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Stay cool. Stay safe. Try not to look directly at your utility bill.