California ISO issues Flex Alert for Wednesday heat wave hitting Bay Area, state

The sun shines over towers carrying electical lines August 30, 2007 in South San Francisco, California.
The sun shines over towers carrying electical lines August 30, 2007 in South San Francisco, California. Photo credit Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Get ready to conserve electricity Wednesday afternoon and night.

The California Independent System Operator on Tuesday issued a Flex Alert for Wednesday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m, citing hotter than normal temperatures throughout the state and across the West Coast.

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The National Weather Service projected Wednesday will be the hottest day of the week in the Bay Area and throughout Northern California. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits in the East Bay and North Bay, the upper 90s in the Santa Clara Valley and the upper 80s in Marin County.

The state power grid regulator last issued a Flex Alert for July 28, citing heat and tight supply conditions. In all, the agency has issued as many Flex Alerts since June (five, two of which were extended into a second day) as all of last year, according to its records.

Before the flex alert goes into effect Wednesday at 4 p.m, residents are encouraged to use major appliances like dishwashers, ovens, stoves, washers and dryers, charge electronic devices and electric vehicles, adjust drapes and curtains to cover windows and set thermostats as low as 72 degrees.

Once the alert goes into effect, the agency recommended avoiding using major appliances, turning off unnecessary lights and setting the thermostat above 78 degrees as long as one's health permits.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images