MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – For the first time in history, owners of electric vehicles are being asked to avoid charging during peak energy usage hours in an effort to protect California's power grid.
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The upcoming heat wave that's expected to bring triple digit temperatures to California is threatening the state's energy reserve as demand increases and supply decreases.
Amid the worsening drought, hydroelectricity has become less reliable, stripping the state of a major power source. These extreme heat waves not only exacerbate the drought, but also prompt residents to turn up the air conditioning, creating a heightened demand for electricity.
During a briefing on Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Californians to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees, avoid using power-sucking appliances and implored EV owners to avoid charging their vehicles from Flex Alert hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when electricity demand is at its highest.
One of the challenges for electric vehicle owners is the fear of running out of juice, so any restriction could inspire some concerns. However, Tesla owners at a charging station in the North Bay did not express these worries to KCBS Radio.
"Of course I am in favor of it," one driver said. "The grid is all of our responsibilities and we're working together and EVs are only going to make it more resilient."
"Not charging your EVs between four and nine in the evening is actually a good thing," a woman chimed in in support of the governor's request, adding that it does not cause her an inconvenience.
There are 1.1 million electric vehicles currently being operated across California. State officials intend to phase out all sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035, but replacing those vehicles with electrics will require millions of additional chargers.
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