As the heatwave hit California last week, the state began to cut power to thousands of residents.
The heatwave is expected to last for the next ten days, and the state's energy experts are confused as to why blackouts are necessary.
“We understand rolling outages are not easy, and we do everything we can to avoid them,” said Anne Gonzales, a spokeswoman for California ISO. “The reason for the energy shortfall is high heat and people naturally wanting to stay cool.”
Death Valley is breaking heat records, as Sunday temperatures hit 130 degrees Fahrenheit, according to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center.
Not since 1913, have any U.S. temps hit this peak, and it's likely the highest recorded on the planet.
A heatwave has been blistering California and is expected to get even hotter through Tuesday and stay in the area for the next ten days.
The extreme heatwave has only helped to make the fire season in the state that much more challenging.
The Lake Fire has now burned more than 18,000 acres and has remained at 12% contained.
More than 1,700 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has destroyed 21 structures, according to CalFire.
But energy experts are baffled by the simple answer that high heat increases need, and utilities aren't able to handle it. According to The Times, the operating reserves of power available to the utilities were higher than the 3 percent level where California ISO has traditionally ordered a reduction in electricity use.
“It’s just misleading to say that it was because it was a hot day,” Mr. Marcus said. “I think they were being overly cautious.”