The California ISO has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday and extending through Monday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to excessive heat in California.
On Saturday California ISO tweeted that "#Powergrid is staying at Stage 2 emergency. No outages yet. Conservation efforts are key! #KeepConservingCA #ItsWorking #FlexAlert until 9 p.m."
"It's going to be another extreme heat event this weekend. Watch for calls for #electricity conservation and be thoughtful about energy use on high heat days. Visit http://FlexAlert.org for energy saving tips," California ISO said on Twitter Thursday.
"Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities." warned an NWS statement in a CNS story.Peak heat expected Sunday.
Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
Defer use of major appliances.
Turn off unnecessary lights.
Unplug unused electrical devices.
Close blinds and drapes.
Use fans when possible.
Limit time the refrigerator door is open.
“Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
Charge electric vehicles.
Charge mobile devices and laptops.
Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
With temperatures in some parts of the region forecast at over 100 degrees, the state is already planning for the heat wave. Brian Ferguson with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services told KCBS Radio that one of the challenges of the widespread heat wave is that the state’s energy moves back and forth between states.