Heat Wave Flex Alert Continues Wednesday: Tips To Reduce Power Usage

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – San Diego County residents are urged to voluntarily conserve electricity to ease demand on the statewide power system again Wednesday afternoon.

The California Independent System Operator, which manages the statewide power grid, called a statewide Flex Alert for 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday. A flex alert – issued when the electrical grid is "under stress – was in effect during the same hours Tuesday.

Cal-ISO officials encouraged residents to conserve electricity especially during late afternoon hours, when air conditioners are typically used most. The agency predicted peak usage on Wednesday to exceed 46,600 megawatts, noting that widespread use of air conditioners can strain the electrical system.

Temperatures spiked Tuesday in Southern California, reaching a record-breaking 124 degrees in Ocotillo Wells, according to the National Weather Service. Other high non-record readings included 120 degrees in Borrego Springs, 117 in Canebrake, and 101 in both Alpine and Ramona.

Communities along the coast experienced markedly milder high temperatures under a stubborn marine layer, ranging from 76 degrees at Lindbergh Field to 65 in Del Mar. Imperial Beach hit 70 degrees.

According to Cal-ISO's website, electrical demand late Tuesday afternoon topped 44,000 megawatts. The highest demand ever recorded by the system was 50,270 megawatts, which occurred on July 24, 2006.

In the San Diego region, an excessive heat warning for the deserts will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday. A less severe heat advisory for the valleys and mountain areas with altitudes lower than 5,000 feet will expire at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

With hot weather persisting, Cal-ISO officials encouraged customers to conserve energy by taking the following steps:

• Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher
• Use fans and draw drapes
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Use major appliances in the morning or late evening

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Heat Wave Triggers Flex Alert For San Diego County

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