Amid Sweltering Heat Wave, Flex Alert Issued Across California

CALIFORNIA — As much of California endures a heat wave that is pushing temperatures above the triple-digit mark, a statewide Flex Alert has been issued.

The Alert issued by the California Independent System Operator calls for Golden State residents and businesses to conserve electricity between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday — when demand is expected to be very high — in an effort to avoid power outages.

A Flex Alert is issued by the ISO when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches and warnings for portions of California. Several areas will be experiencing near-record or record-breaking heat, up to 10-20 degrees above normal. The sweltering daytime and nighttime heat is expected to last through the weekend and into next week.

"With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from residential air conditioning use," an ISO news release stated.

Tropical system “Elida” is bringing cloud cover to some areas of California, which is reducing solar generation and leading to tighter energy supplies, according to the ISO.

On Friday, consumers are asked to turn off unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.

"These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages," the ISO news release stated.

Visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website to sign up for Flex Alerts.