September 3, 2022 - FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued another statewide Flex Alert, calling for voluntary electricity conservation for today, Saturday, Sept. 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to increasing high heat, tightening energy supplies and more potential strain on the grid.
Californians are strongly urged to lower electricity use by setting thermostats to 78 or higher, health permitting, avoid using major appliances, and turning off all unnecessary lights. Saturday's Flex Alert is the fourth consecutive call for conservation, as much of the state remains gripped in an extensive heat wave.
With increased heat in the forecast for California and the West, the power grid operator is again expecting high electricity demand throughout Labor Day weekend and into next week, primarily from air conditioning use. With resources potentially very tight for today, conservation is crucial in helping to balance supply and demand.
The Flex Alert is scheduled between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the grid is most stressed from high demand and less solar energy on the system.
Premiminary data show that consumer and business conservation during those hours has been helpful in keeping the grid stable so far this week, so the ISO is again urging Californians to moderate their electricity use as much as possible
To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are also encouraged to pre-cool their homes and use major appliances and charge electric vehicles and electronic devices before 4 p.m., when conservation begins to become most critical.
Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
Learn more about conserving energy or sign up for text notifications at www.FlexAlert.org.
Flex Alert Conservation Actions Before 4 p.m.:
Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
Use major appliances, including: Washer and dryer, Dishwasher, Oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals
Charge electric vehicles
Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
Avoid using major appliances and charging electric vehicles
Turn off all unnecessary lights
Source: CA. ISO