SAN DIEGO — The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has extended a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation again on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Flex Alert was also in effect Wednesday for the same hours.
The power grid operator is predicting that the above-normal temperatures across California and the western United States will increase the use of electricity that will strain the state's power grid for a second day this week.
During the Flex Alert time period of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m, consumers are asked to lower their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, and take other voluntary measures that include avoiding the use of major appliances and unnecessary lights. The late afternoon and early evening is the time that the grid is most stressed.
Cal ISO said that in previous Flex Alerts, reducing energy use has helped operators keep the power grid stable and limiting power outages.
Cisco DeVries, CEO of clean energy company OhmConnect, told News 8 everyone's little actions can make a big difference.
"We don't need anybody to sit in the dark and just sweat. What you can do is just turn your thermostat to like 78 degrees so maybe it's a little warmer. Put off your chores for a couple hours. We want everyone to be comfortable, to be safe, but if everybody does just a little bit then we can actually reduce hundreds of megawatts of demand on the grid," said DeVries. "And that is so valuable to keeping the lights on."
DeVries also talked about how the drought, electricity and wildfires are all connected. He said the Flex alerts in July were actually triggered by the wildfires in Oregon.
Tips to prepare before a Flex Alert:
- Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
- Use major appliances:
- Washer and dryer
- Dishwasher
- Oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals
- Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows
Tips during the Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
- Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
- Avoid using major appliances
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org.
