California’s power grid operator warned that excessive heat may strain the grid with increased energy demands, and consumer conservation may be necessary to prevent power outages.
Temperatures are expected to increase on Aug. 31, and intensify throughout the holiday weekend, extending through early next week. According to the National Weather Service, San Diego may see peak temperatures rising 20 to 25 degrees above normal.
The weather service issued an excessive heat warning that will go into effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will last at least until 8 p.m. Monday, Labor Day.
In response, the California Independent System operated issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations order that goes into effect Wednesday and continues through next Tuesday. This will limit operations between noon and 10 p.m. each day to ensure all power systems remain in service.
According to the state’s ISO, the peak load for electricity is currently projected to exceed 48,000 megawatts (MW) on Monday, the highest of the year.
If weather or grid conditions worsen, the ISO may issue a series of emergency notifications to access additional resources and prepare market participants and the public for potential energy shortages and the need to conserve.
The power grid operator expects to call on Californians for voluntary energy conservation via Flex alerts over the long weekend. During a Flex Alert, consumers are urged to reduce energy use from 4-9 p.m. when the system is most stressed because demand for electricity remains high and there is less solar energy available.
The top three conservation actions are to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using large appliances and charging electric vehicles, and turn off unnecessary lights. Lowering electricity use during that time will ease the strain on the system, and prevent more drastic measures, including rotating power outages.
The American Red Cross Southern California Region said people should hydrate, stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible, wear lightweight clothing, and wear sunscreen to stay protected from the hot weather.
Learn more about conserving energy or sign up for text notifications at www.FlexAlert.org.
