Californians asked to start conserving energy earlier Wednesday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is asking the public to reduce energy use earlier Wednesday than in previous days

Wednesday's statewide Flex Alert, which is a call for voluntary electricity conservation, will be in effect from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Previous Flex Alerts were in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The high response to previous Flex Alerts was key in preventing power outages the last two days, CAISO said.

During these Alerts, the ISO asks the public to set air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher, turn off small appliances and lights not in use and to close curtains or blinds. You are also asked to use fans when possible and try not to use major appliances.

The ISO recommends charging your phone or laptop before 2 p.m. and to pre-cook your meals, if possible.

California's heat wave is now in its sixth day. In coastal Santa Barbara County, temperatures could reach as high as 90 degrees. Meanwhile, Santa Maria could reach a high of 94 degrees. The Santa Ynez Valley is predicted to hit triple digits today, possibly getting as high as 105 degrees.

Inland San Luis Obispo County is expected to see temperatures break 100, with Paso Robles seeing temperatures as high as 110 degrees.

Coastal Ventura County can expect highs in the mid-80s. Inland Ventura County can also expect to see temperatures near or above 100 degrees.