The California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert yesterday evening that calls for voluntary electricity conservation from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, September 1. Consumers are urged to conserve electricity especially during the afternoon when air conditioners typically are at peak use, as well as turn off all unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 1 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher to avoid any interruptions.
Forecasts now project record demand load on Friday and all available resources are ready to respond. The ISO’s service territory serves about 80 percent of California’s electricity consumers.
A Flex Alert is issued by the ISO when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.
Conservation tips include:
- Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and turn off, if away
- Cool with fans and draw drapes
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
- Use major appliances in morning or late evening
Extreme Heat Warning
The majority of the state will be under an “extreme heat warning” for Labor Day weekend, while hot temperatures will continue near the central coast early next week. Prolonged extreme heat will peak this weekend in the Sacramento Valley with slow moderation beginning Monday. Highs in the Sacramento Valley are expected to exceed 110 degrees, however the usual overnight cool-off will be non-existent with lows remaining in the mid-70s to 80 degrees in interior valleys and the Los Angeles Basin.Fire danger risks remain heavy throughout the state, specifically in the Northern California mountains. Isolated scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in the Southern California deserts and mountains today.
Get Flex Alert Notifications
- If you want to be notified immediately of a Flex Alert, click here.
Source: CA. OES
