SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company is urging customers to conserve electricity in response to a statewide Flex Alert called for Friday from 3 to 10 p.m., by the California Independent System Operator.
A Flex Alert is a call for residents of California to conserve electricity in an effort to shift power demand to off-peak hours.
The ISO issued the alert in anticipation of higher than average temperatures.
Above-normal temperatures for California are expected to last through the weekend and into late next week.
23ABC spoke with PG&E spokesperson Katie Allen and she says this is something that's issued from the state's power grid when a strain on energy is happening or going to happen.
"That is because they are seeing a strain on the state's energy grid due to a variety of reasons. The biggest being the heatwave that we are seeing across the state as well as the demand shifts that are associated with this quarantine and this pandemic we are dealing with right now with more folks at home and that distance learning."
Customers should follow these conservation tips:
- Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, use a fan instead of air conditioning, when possible.
- Draw drapes and turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Unplug phone charges, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use.
- Set your pool pump to run overnight instead of during the day.
This flex alert is voluntary.
