Heat Wave Prompts Flex Alert Across CA: Tips To Conserve Power

CALIFORNIA – With a heat wave washing over the state and most of the western United States, California residents are urged to voluntarily conserve electricity to ease demand on the statewide power system. The California Independent System Operator, which manages the statewide power grid, called a statewide Flex Alert from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

The agency predicted peak demand to be about 48,500 megawatts each day. The highest demand ever recorded by the system was 50,270 megawatts on July 24, 2006. Last year's record was 50,116 megawatts on Sept. 1.

A Flex Alert is issued when the electrical grid is "under stress," generally from increased power usage due to persistent hot weather. High temperatures, as well as high wildfire risk, reduced electricity imports and tight natural gas supplies in Southern California prompted the two-day alert.

"The ISO has called on all available resources to be available to serve demand, however, conservation is needed to reduce the risk of further emergency measures, including rotating power outages," a statement from the California ISO read.

The California ISO's service territory serves about 80 percent of the state's electricity consumers.

With heat advisories and excessive heat warnings issued throughout much of the state, California ISO officials urged consumers to help avoid power interruptions by conserving electricity, especially during late afternoon and evening hours hours, when air conditioners are typically used most.

Here are some other steps customers can take to conserve energy:

• 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

For more tips, visit flexalert.org/save-energy.

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