The California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s electric grid, has issued a statewide Flex Alert urging residents and business to reduce electricity use.
The Flex Alert will remain in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday and was made because of increased demand for electricity due to the heat wave.
Should the situation worsen and power reserves drop to dangerous levels, the independent system operator could direct utilities to conduct involuntary rotating outages — for blocks of customers — across their service areas until sufficient reserve levels are achieved, authorities said.
Southern California recommends that customers:
- Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
- Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
- Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
- Shut off lights when leaving a room.
- Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers when an air conditioner is running.
- Operate energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.
- Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators.
- When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to off-peak times.
For updates, follow SCE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SCE or visit www.flexalert.org.
