CALIFORNIA, USA — A Flex Alert is issued for California ahead of expected 100-degree heat this weekend.
California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is asking people to conserve electricity between 4 and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 9. CAISO extended the Flex Alert into Saturday, July 10, during the same time period. They are hoping these actions will "avoid power disruptions."
With the Flex Alert in effect, consumers are strongly encouraged to:
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if your health permits
- Avoid using major appliances, like dishwashers and clothes washers and dryers
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
Roseville Electric Utility began asking for customers to limit their power usage due to high temperatures in the region on Friday night. They recommend raising the thermostats up at least two degrees and turning off unnecessary lights.
The Flex Alert comes as a dangerous warming pattern is developing across California.
The hottest days are expected Saturday and Sunday with highs near 110° to 115°. Those temperatures will come close to breaking records. An Excessive Heat Warning began Friday, July 9, and will last through Monday. Afternoon highs will warm to 100° to 115° between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
For those who may not have access to A/C, cities across the Sacramento region are opening cooling centers to residents seeking relief. A list of currently known available centers can be found here.
On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation to free up additional energy capacity to the state
The proclamation suspends certain permitting requirements, allowing the use of backup power generation and freeing up additional energy capacity to help alleviate the heat-induced demands on the state's energy grid, the governor’s office said in a press release.
Earlier in the day, before the Flex Alert takes effect and when solar energy is abundant, people can take these steps to be comfortable and help grid operators balance supply and demand throughout the day:
- 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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