High temperatures = strained power grid; Flex Alert issued

The manager of the state’s power grid issued a statewide Flex Alert Wednesday, urging residents to conserve energy in response to high temperatures, power plant outages and reductions in transmission-line capacity.

The alert by the California Independent System Operator asks residents to cut back their power use, especially during peak hours of 2 to 9 p.m.

“Electricity supplies statewide are expected to be tight because of high summer temperatures driving up demand, power plant outages and transmission line import capacity reductions,” according to Cal-ISO. “Power imports may be limited today because of high temperatures in neighboring states.”

Cal-ISO officials said conservation is especially important in the late afternoon, when air-conditioning use tends to push electricity use to its highest point of the day.

The agency recommended that people conserve energy by setting thermostats at 78 or higher; using fans and closing drapes; turning off unnecessary lights and appliances; and using major appliances only in the morning or late evening.

—City News Service