x
Breaking News
More () »

California avoids rolling power outages over weekend; Flex Alert remains in place Monday

The state's electrical grid operator issued the alert for the hours of 3 - 9 p.m.

CALIFORNIA, USA — 1:45 p.m. Update

California Independent System Operator (CAISO) said that there were able to avoid rolling power outages on Sunday. The power grid hit its peak load for the year so far yesterday, according to CAISO. They say consumer conservation was the key to success for preventing blackouts.

While tonight, some PG&E customers expect power outages due to wildfire weather, CAISO officials say there should not be any issues with the power grid and they do not expect complications with the electric system.

8 a.m. Update

Californians are being urged to conserve electricity statewide at least one more day as a Flex Alert is still in effect through Monday evening.

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) announced the Flex Alert last week and calls for voluntary electricity conservation between 3 - 9 p.m.

8:45 p.m. Update

The state's electrical grid operator lifted their Stage 2 Emergency declaration, preventing sweeping power outages across the state.

Earlier on Sunday, the California Independent System Operator was telling people to prepare for imminent rotating power outages due to electricity use and strain on the system.

Through the evening, they said they were able to avoid making any outage orders due to the conservation efforts from Californians.

Original:

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) declared a Stage 2 Emergency as electricity use in the state strains the electrical grid.

CAISO is now telling people to prepare for 'imminent' power outages. If conditions don't improve, a Stage 3 Emergency could be declared with rotating power outages to follow. 

The Stage 2 Emergency was declared after a transmission line carrying power from Oregon to California and another in-state power plant unexpectedly went offline. 

The grid operator said the heat wave and wildfires were adding to increased energy demand and reduced supplies. The grid operator expects a shortfall of up to 4,000 megawatts in supply. 

"Based on the current forecast and without significant conservation efforts, rotating power outages are likely throughout the state today between now and 9 p.m.," CAISO said in a news release.

People are being advised to conserve energy by setting their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turn off unnecessary lights, and defer use of major appliances.

If you're a PG&E customer, you can find your rotating outage status HERE.

WATCH ALSO: 

5 hacks to get you through a power outage

Before You Leave, Check This Out