California ISO issues Flex Alert for Today

Flex Alert issued due to expected heat; consumers urged to reduce energy use to protect grid

FOLSOM – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Aug. 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies.

The California ISO maintains reliability on one of the largest and most modern power grids in the world

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.

With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state today, the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand.

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 less solar energy.

Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight supply conditions, and prevent further emergency measures, including power outages.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.

Conservation Tips

Today, before 4 p.m., Californians should:

Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
Use major appliances, including the washer and dryer, dishwasher, oven and stove for pre-cooking and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals.
Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows

Today, during the Flex Alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m, Californians should: