Heat Wave Triggers Another Flex Alert Across California

Another statewide Flex Alert has been called as a heat wave continues to scorch California. In an effort to ease demand on the statewide power system, the California Independent System Operator is urging residents to voluntarily conserve electricity from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

Cal-ISO, which manages the state's power grid, said power demand could reach record levels Friday due to the continuing heat wave.

"Forecasts for today show an all-time record demand for electricity, as temperatures continue to rise in the state," Cal-ISO officials said in a statement. "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."

The agency also called a Flex Alert on Tuesday. A Flex Alert is issued when the electrical grid is "under stress," generally from increased power usage due to hot weather.

The ISO’s service territory serves about 80 percent of California's electricity consumers. The highest demand ever recorded by the system was 50,270 megawatts on July 24, 2006.

With heat advisories and excessive heat warnings issued throughout much of the state, Cal-ISO officials encouraged residents to conserve electricity especially during late afternoon 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

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Heat Wave Triggers Flex Alert Across California

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