FOLSOM – Citing predicted high energy demand and tight supplies across the West, the California Independent System Operator has issued a statewide Flex Alert for Wednesday.
The alert is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and run through 9 p.m., the ISO said in a statement.
The ISO said the forecast calls for higher than normal temperatures for parts of Northern California, which could lead to an increase in electricity demand, largely from air conditioning use. The heat is expected to challenge firefighters battling the massive Dixie Fire and other blazes across the state.
“The increase can make electricity supplies tight and cause strain on our power grid,” the ISO said.
Residents are being urged to take steps to conserve electricity such as turning off unnecessary lights, delaying use of major appliances until after 9 p.m. and setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees. The ISO said the measures can help stabilize the power grid and prevent additional emergency actions, including rolling blackouts.
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