CALIFORNIA, USA — The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert for Friday due to a heatwave bringing above-normal temperatures to most of the state.
The alert is from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy production falling.
Consumers are also asked to turn off unnecessary lights, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for San Diego County inland, mountain, and desert areas from 12 PM Friday until 9 PM Monday. Inland temperatures 95°-106°, mountains temperatures below 5000 ft 92°-102°, and desert temperatures 115°-120° over the weekend. Hot temperatures can seriously increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
A full list of the cooling zone center locations across the county can be found here.
The NWS urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Also, children and pets should be never be left unattended in a vehicle, with car interiors able to "reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," according to the NWS.
Conservation Tips
• 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 the morning or late evening
What is a Flex Alert?
A Flex Alert is issued by the ISO when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.
Consumers are urged to voluntarily conserve electricity to help avoid more serious steps to protect the power grid, including local rotating outages.
Learn more about Flex Alerts and Stage Electrical Emergencies.