Statewide Flex Alert issued for Thursday
Cal ISO has issued a statewide Flex Alert for Thursday evening to encourage Californians to cut back on power usage to prevent strain on the system.
Extreme heat is forecast for much of California and the Southwest.
The Flex Alert will be in effect Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. During the evening, demand for electricity is high as solar energy diminishes, the agency said.
If demand still outstrips supply after Flex Alerts and other measures are taken, the ISO could order utilities to begin rotating power outages. That would extend available power supplies and guard against longer and more extensive disruptions while protecting high-voltage transmission lines from damage.
Tips for responding to a Flex Alert:
- Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, or leave it off if you are not at home.
- Use a fan instead of air conditioning if possible.
- Close drapes and turn off unnecessary lighting.
- Avoid use of appliances until later in the evening.
