California Independent System Operator Extends Flex Alert Through Tonight, Conservation Urged to Avoid Blackouts

The California Independent System Operator, which manages the flow of 80 percent of California’s electricity, extended yesterday’s Flex Alert calling for Californians to conserve power through Thursday.

City officials said earlier that Pasadena residents should be prepared for rolling electrical blackouts this summer.

“Consumers are urged to continue conservation measures today and tomorrow, especially during the late afternoon when air conditioners push power consumption to the highest point of the day,” Cal-ISO said in a statement.

The Flex Alert is a call for voluntary electric conservation from consumers during peak usage times from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Electricity supplies statewide today are predicted to continue to be tight due to high summer temperatures driving up demand, power plant outages, and transmission line import capacity reductions.

Power imports have been limited today through tomorrow because of high temperatures in neighboring states, Cal-ISO reported.

In June, local Water and Power officials said the shutdown of Southern California Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon facility after a massive leak forced its closure could affect Pasadena’s ability to generate enough electricity for peak demand days.

According to then-Interim General Manager Shari Thomas, Pasadena Water and Power is “pursuing numerous strategies to mitigate the impacts of potential gas supply curtailments, and minimize the frequency and duration of possible electrical interruptions.”

So, while power blackouts are not necessarily guaranteed, a prolonged heat wave this summer could definitely tip the scales, said Thomas. According to Thomas, there are approximately 10 to 14 days each year in which power shortages are likely to occur.

“Rolling” blackouts would affect every aspect of daily living from home air conditioning to computer systems for homes and businesses, as well as home security and home medical care.

Do you have home medical systems? Better get a generator, says the PWP, to prevent losing power to lifesaving appliances such as home dialysis machines, or similar devices.

Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Tracey Ibarra acknowledged that blackouts can cut power to home security systems.

“Keep your homes secure and make sure that your alarm company has readily available phone numbers to make prompt inquiries,” Ibarra added. “We remind neighbors to remain vigilant for suspicious activity throughout the year and notify law enforcement if they see something that concerns them.”

“Ringing alarms may also occur more often because of power outages,” said Ibarra.

“Every alarm system should have a battery backup to it, with at least 24 hours capacity,” said Phil Raacke, President of San Marino Security Systems.

Aaron Hoffman, ­ owner of APS Security Systems, also reminded residents to be aware that when the power comes back on, “a lot of times it surges and so then people’s electronics get damaged. I recommend people unplugging your electronics that you’re not using.

For tips and more information about blackouts from the City of Pasadena, click here.