SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Ahead of an extreme heat wave set to hit California with triple-digit temperatures over the weekend, Gov. Gavin Newsom detailed critical efforts the state will be taking and outlined how residents can help.
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Between this Wednesday and next Wednesday, the state is set to experience a prolonged heat wave, bringing triple-digit temperatures to areas of California that do not commonly experience severe weather.
The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, as officials anticipate a spike in demand due to increased air conditioning use.
"We are anticipating this extreme heat to be a length and duration we haven't experienced in a long time," Newsom warned.
Not only will the weather be scorching, but it also threatens the state's electricity reserve.
"Energy reliability is becoming more challenging and stressed. Last year we experienced one of our largest sources of hydroelectricity, the Oroville Dam, the Hyatt Power Plant, had to be shut down first time in history," he said. "Hydroelectricity is not as reliable as a consequence of this drought."
During the briefing, Newsom focused on three critical efforts – an additional $1 billion dollars for clean energy projects, $800 million for extreme heat mitigation and the extension of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. According to the governor, the plant will create a bridge to "energy certainty" in California.
Newsom called on residents to consciously conserve electricity, encouraging them to step away from the air conditioner.
"The Flex Alert asks you to do a little bit more. Turn the thermostat up, reduce consumption," he said.
For residents who are planning to leave for Labor Day weekend, Newsom asked that they turn the thermostat to 85 degrees. "We want to make sure we are not using and consuming unnecessary electricity," he advised.
Sunday and Monday are forecast to have the highest demand in electricity across the state, putting a heavy strain on energy companies.
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