California ISO issues statewide Flex Alert due to heat wave

The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 2 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

During times of high temperatures, demand on the power grid can be strained by increased air conditioner use. The forecast peak usage for Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to exceed 47,000 megawatts each day in California ISO’s service territory, which serves roughly 80 percent of electricity customers.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity especially during the late afternoon when air conditioners typically are at peak use. Consumers can help avoid power outages by turning off all unnecessary lights, using major appliances before 2 p.m. and after 9 p.m., and setting air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher.

To conserve electricity, consider:

• Set thermostat at 78° or higher and turn off, if away

• Cool with fans and draw drapes

• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances

• Use major appliances in morning or late evening

Conserving electricity can help avoid more serious steps to protect the power grid, including local rotating outages.

For more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website at http://www.flexalert.org/save-energy.