The California Independent System Operator has issued a Flex Alert for Thursday due to high heat and increased energy demand.
The Flex Alert is in effect from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 to avoid power disruptions.
Before the Flex Alert takes effect, Californians are encouraged to take the following steps to be comfortable and help grid operators balance electricity supply and demand:
- Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
- If you need to use your major appliances, do it before the Flex Alert is in effect,
when solar energy is plentiful - Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
- Charge electronic devices and electric vehicles so there’s no need to do it later, when solar generation is down
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When the Flex Alert is in effect, consumers should conserve electricity by turning off unnecessary lights, not using major appliances and setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, especially in the late afternoon and early evening when the grid is most stressed.
Thursday temperatures start to rise with some East Bay locations reaching 100 degrees, National Weather Service forecaster Dial Hoang said. Morgan Hill is also expected to reach 100, Hoang said.
The state's grid operator is expecting higher electricity use due mainly to air conditioning, and it could issue Flex Alerts for Friday and during the Labor Day weekend as well.
Record-setting temperatures are forecast for much of the western U.S., putting pressure on the power grid.
Temperatures in Northern California are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees higher than normal for the rest of the week and weekend. In Southern California, temperatures will be 10 to 18 degrees hotter.
The temperature in Death Valley on Saturday could reach 126 degrees, which would tie the record for hottest temperature on Earth in September.
