What is a Flex Alert?
A Flex Alert is a call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity when there is a predicted shortage of energy supply, especially if the grid operator needs to use reserves for grid integrity. When consumers reduce electricity use at critical times, it can prevent more dire emergency measures, including possible power outages.
If you experience an outage, please contact your local utility provider for information on locations, timings, and restoration efforts.
Who issues a Flex Alert?
A Flex Alert is issued by the California Independent System Operator (ISO), a nonprofit, public benefit corporation that manages the high-voltage electric grid for 80 percent of California. Click here to learn more about the California ISO.
What can trigger a Flex Alert?
A Flex Alert is typically issued in the summer when extremely hot weather pushes up electricity demand. This usually happens in the evening hours when solar generation is going offline and consumers are returning home and switching on air conditioners, lights, and appliances.
Other contributing factors include:
- Unplanned power plant outages
- Fires that lead to transmission line losses
- Humid, hot weather and heat storms
When is a Flex Alert issued?
Flex Alerts are most effective when issued a day in advance of the predicted supply gap, so consumers can better prepare for the event. But grid emergencies can also happen suddenly, so the ISO can issue a Flex Alert will little or no advance notice. When possible, Flex Alerts are targeted to regions of the state where the system is stressed.
How are Consumers Notified?
Flex Alerts are distributed through the ISO Today mobile app, and promoted on the ISO website at www.caiso.com, on Twitter and Facebook. Consumers can also subscribe to receive Flex Alert notifications by email. The ISO also notifies media outlets throughout the state when a Flex Alert is issued.
Follow Flex Alerts here:
Sign up to receive Flex Alerts by entering your information in the green box above.