The California Independent System Operator said consumer conservation helped grid operators avoid rotating power outages on Saturday and Sunday, with another Flex Alert to be called on Monday as high temperatures continue across the state.
The grid operator declared a Stage 2 Emergency just before 6 p.m. Sunday when a transmission line from Oregon reduced capacity by 900 megawatts due to the heat. At the same time, generation totaling 260 megawatts tripped offline.
Conservation helped grid operators overcome those challenges and avoid rotating power outages.
“Consumer action to conserve energy tonight was key to helping us keep power flowing throughout the state,” said Eric Schmitt, ISO’s vice president of operations. “We recognize the sacrifice that consumers make in conserving energy during these very hot conditions, and appreciate their contribution.”
The ISO issued a Flex Alert to urge consumers to conserve energy during this statewide heatwave that’s driving up energy consumption.
The Flex Alert will be reissued on Monday, with conservation needed again from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., the ISO said.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.
Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:
– Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
– Defer use of major appliances.
– Turn off unnecessary lights.
– Unplug unused electrical devices.
– Close blinds and drapes.
– Use fans when possible.
– Limit time the refrigerator door is open.
Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:
– “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
– Charge electric vehicles.
– Charge mobile devices and laptops.
– Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
– Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
Temperatures on Monday will continue to be hot throughout the western US. The ISO is also monitoring numerous wildfires that may impact electrical lines.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.
Statewide Flex Alert planned through Monday night; conservation prevents blackouts so far
- Lake County News reports
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