Rolling Blackouts Possible Thursday

CALIFORNIA — Rolling blackouts are possible across California from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday after the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert. Temperatures are soaring, increasing demand for electricity as air conditioning use spikes. Reduced capacity and wildfires, which forces some high tension power lines to be de-energized, were also named as contributing problems.

The agency issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations notice to utilities to keep as much energy flowing as possible.

The agency is also calling for voluntary conservation from all of us from the afternoon into the evening, including:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits
• Defer use of major appliances, including electric car chargers
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Unplug unused electrical devices
• Close blinds and drapes
• Use fans when possible
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open

Before 3 p.m., do the following:

• “Pre-cool” your homes by lower air conditioning thermostats
• Charge electric vehicles
• Charge mobile devices and laptops
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night