The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert Monday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. due to "extraordinary conditions" caused by the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.
Residents are strongly encouraged to conserve as much electricity as possible during the five hour period, the company said.
The explosive Bootleg Fire, ravaging over 150,000 acres in Southern Oregon, tripped off transmission lines on Friday and Saturday which limited electricity flow from the Pacific Northwest to California. As a result, Cal ISO, which services 80% of the state, said their power supplies were reduced by as much as 3,500 megawatts.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday signed an executive order to secure additional power for Cal ISO's grid through the weekend.
During Flex Alerts, consumers are strongly encouraged to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances like dish washers and clothes washers and dryers, and turn off all unnecessary lights.
Even before the alert takes effect, Cal ISO recommended people pre-cool homes, close window coverings to keep homes and apartments cool and charge electronic devices and electric vehicles so there’s no need to do it later.
If the demand for electricity continues to exceed supply, Cal ISO said it could enforce short duration power outages.
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