SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The agency that manages California's power grid issued a Flex Alert for Wednesday and Thursday, citing predicted high energy demand and tight supplies.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is asking residents to conserve energy from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, as high temperatures are expected to cover much of the state on Wednesday.
Cal-ISO said the expected surge in power consumption is primarily predicted to be from air conditioning use.
The Flex Alerts have been issued due to above-normal temperatures leading to high electricity demand in California and parts of the western US, narrow margins of supply, and cloud cover creating uncertainty for renewable generation forecasts," Cal-ISO said in a release.
To conserve power before and during a Flex Alert, residents are asked to:
Before:
- Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
- Use major appliances during the day
- Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows
During:
- Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
- Avoid using major appliances
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
California's grid is more at-risk during the late afternoon and early evening because demand is higher and is the state sees a decline in solar energy production.
