The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, on Friday, August 14, from 3 to 10 p.m. The ISO is urging consumers to turn off unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply. Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
A Flex Alert is typically issued in the summer when extremely hot weather pushes up energy demand as it reaches available capacity. This usually happens in the evening hours when solar generation is going offline and consumers are returning home and switching on air conditioners, lights, and appliances.
With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand and is urging consumers to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy production falling.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches and warnings for portions of California and the Southwest U.S. California will be experiencing near-record or record-breaking heat, up to 10-20 degrees above normal in some areas. Above-normal temperatures for California are expected to last through the weekend and into late next week.
The ISO said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. For information on Flex Alerts and electricity conservation tips, visit www.flexalert.org.
