UPDATE: Statewide urgent Flex Alert to conserve electricity during the heatwave extended to Friday

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The urgent flex alert issued Wednesday to California residents to conserve electricity between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. was extended to Friday by the California Independent System Operator (ISO).

The ISO flex alert asks residents to reduce and conserve their electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday to reduce the risk of power outages ahead of Labor Day weekend.

The alert was initially issued on Wednesday, and has since been extended twice.

California ISO provided the following tips to help with the conservation effort:

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

Residents should be warned to be on the lookout for additional flex alerts through the upcoming holiday weekend as temperatures hit triple-digits.