FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued another statewide Flex Alert, calling for voluntary electricity conservation for tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to increasing high heat, tightening energy supplies and more potential strain on the grid.
A Flex Alert is also in effect today from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., when Californians are strongly urged to lower electricity use by setting thermostats to 78 or higher, health permitting, avoid using major appliances, and turning off all unnecessary lights. Tomorrow’s Flex Alert is the fourth consecutive call for conservation, as much of the state remains gripped in an extensive heat wave.
With increased heat in the forecast for California and the West, the power grid operator is again expecting high electricity demand throughout Labor Day weekend and into next week, primarily from air conditioning use. With resources potentially very tight for tomorrow, conservation is crucial in helping to balance supply and demand.
The Flex Alert is scheduled between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the grid is most stressed from high demand and less solar energy on the system.
Premiminary data show that consumer and business conservation during those hours has been helpful in keeping the grid stable so far this week, so the ISO is again urging Californians to moderate their electricity use as much as possible.
To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are also encouraged to pre-cool their homes and use major appliances before 4 p.m., when solar energy is typically abundant.
Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to find more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org.
Tips before a Flex Alert:
- Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
- Use major appliances:
- Washer and dryer
- Dishwasher
- Oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals
- Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows
Tips during a Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
- Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
- Avoid using major appliances
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
A Flex Alert is issued by the ISO when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.
Follow developing grid conditions at the ISO’s News webpage, under the System Conditions Bulletin, or follow us on Twitter at @California_ISO.
Click here to learn more about System Alerts, Warnings and Emergencies. Follow grid conditions in real time at ISO’s Today’s Outlook, or download the free ISO Today mobile app.
