Consumers urged to reduce energy use from 4-9 p.m. to protect grid reliability
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a
statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for tomorrow,
Wednesday, July 28 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high energy demand and
tight supplies across the West.
With higher than normal temperatures in the forecast for parts of interior Northern
California, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand,
primarily from air conditioning use. The increase can make electricity supplies tight and
cause strain on our power grid.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and
early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy
production falling. Consumers are also asked to turn off unnecessary lights, delay using
major appliances until after 9 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or
higher, if health permits.
The conservation measures can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight
demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Reduced electricity use during a
Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit
FlexAlert.org.
Flex Alert
