Strains On CA Power Grid Prompt ISO To Declare Stage 2 Emergency

CALIFORNIA — After days of a record breaking heatwaves and a significant strain on the power grid, the state's Independent System Operator moved to a stage 2 statewide emergency Tuesday afternoon.

While the power grid was already operating on low reserves, around 2 p.m. CAISO determined that the power grid was operating on even less than it should be at this stage. If the agency declares a stage 3 emergency, customers will experience 1-hour rotating blackouts, leaving thousands in the dark for designated blocks of time.

.@California_ISO has declared Stage 2 emergency, with the possibility of power outages.
Everyone is strongly urged to conserve energy right now.
Follow energy-saving guidelines on https://t.co/miT6JknK3s. pic.twitter.com/bN4VWeYgW3
— SCE (@SCE) August 18, 2020

"The likelihood of that happening tomorrow will be similar to today," said Sally Jeun, a spokeswoman for Southern California Edison. "That's why we're asking customers to conserve when they can so we can ease the burden on our electrical grid and help us make those rotating outages less likely."

According to Jeun, residents did conserve and it did ease some strain but everyone will have to keep conserving throughout the week between the hours of 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"Rotating outages last about an hour, could be a little less or a little more," Jeun said. "Each customer is assigned to a rotating outage group and they can find that information on their bill or log on to our website and find their account."

“California’s record-breaking persistent heat wave has put extraordinary strain on the ISO electric system, as air conditioners are working harder and longer to keep spaces cool during the high temperatures," CAISO said in a statement Monday. "Because of high heat and limited energy supplies, rotating power outages are likely over the next two days.”