Newport Beach Flex Alert In Effect: Tips To Reduce Power Usage

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Though it's balmy at the beach, a statewide high pressure system has initiated a California flex alert, officials say. The current heat advisory remains in effect for Orange County inland areas, including the city of Fullerton, until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said. Southern California Edison field supervisors have been working to keep the lights and air conditioning on for residents across Orange County.

A statewide Flex Alert has been called, according to Southern California Edison spokesperson Caroline Aoyagi-Stom said. As a heat wave continues to make its way through the state, the California Independent System Operator has called a statewide Flex Alert for Tuesday and Wednesday during the peak times of 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. according Aoyagi-Stom.

"The alert comes as high temperatures are expected over the next couple of days and is a request for the public to conserve electricity. This will help to reduce stress on the statewide electrical grid, and help stave off possible power outages," Aoyagi-Stom said.

The public can limit their use of electricity by: turning off all unnecessary lights, setting air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher and postponing the use of major appliances until after 9 p.m.

Flex Alerts are issued by the system operator to help encourage conservation by the public to decrease the demand on the electrical grid. Southern California Edison is asking customers to take part in the conservation efforts.

Other ways customers can conserve energy include:

• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
• Shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours.

High temperatures, from 90 to 95 degrees were expected Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in the foothills and mountain areas. In the Santa Ana mountains, high temperatures will range from 90 degrees to 103 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Such extreme heat impacts those who spend time working our playing outdoors, especially the elderly and children and those not used to excessive heat. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness, which can be dangerous, the NWS said.

Lower temperatures will return to the region Thursday and Friday they said.

"A heat advisory means that precautions should be taken to reduce exposure to the heat of the day, if possible," the NWS spokesperson said. "Drink plenty of fluids, frequent air conditioned spaces and check up on relatives and neighbors."