Statewide Flex Alert Calls for Precautionary Electric Conservation Due to High Heat

With daily high temperatures expected to top out over 100 degrees Tuesday through Thursday throughout much of the southwestern U.S., the California Independent System Operator Corporation issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, and Wednesday, July 25.

A Flex Alert is issued when the electrical grid is under stress from increased power usage due to hot weather.

During the Alert, consumers are urged to scale back on their electricity usage, especially during the late afternoon and evening when air conditioners typically are at peak use.

Scaling back means turning off all unnecessary lights, using major appliances before 5 p.m. and after 9 p.m., and setting air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher.

By exercising these measures, consumers can help power utilities lighten their load and maintain consistent electricity supply.

The National Weather Service says highs Tuesday in Pasadena could be up to 102 degrees, with heat index values – when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature – as high as 106.

Wednesday’s and Thursday’s highs should be in that range as well, according to the NWS.

In the past, the ISO has issued the Flex Alerts due to high temperatures, reduced electricity imports, tight natural gas supplies, and a high risk of wildfire.

While the ISO calls on all available resources to be available to serve demand, consumers need to conserve power to reduce the risk of further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

The California ISO’s service territory serves about 80 percent of the state’s electricity consumers.

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