In response to an extreme heat event, the California Independent System Operator, or Cal ISO, has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies.
Lake County — and much of the rest of the state — is under an excessive heat watch due to a forecast of dangerously high temperatures, as high locally as 110 degrees — through the middle of next week.
Temperatures are expected to be highest on Sunday and Monday.
Because of the excessive heat in the forecast across much of the state and Western U.S., Cal ISO is expecting high electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand.
Additional Flex Alerts are also possible through the Labor Day weekend as record-setting temperatures are forecast across much of the West, Cal ISO said.
In what’s likely to be the most extensive heat wave so far in the West this year, temperatures in Northern California are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees warmer than normal through Tuesday, Sept. 6.
In Southern California, temperatures are expected to be 10 to 18 degrees warmer than normal. Death Valley is currently forecast to peak at 126 degrees on Saturday, which would tie the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth in the month of September.
Wednesday’s Flex Alert is scheduled between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the grid is most stressed from higher demand and less solar energy.
During that time, consumers are urged to conserve power by setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, avoiding use of major appliances and turning off unnecessary lights. They should also avoid charging electric vehicles while the Flex Alert is in effect.
To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are also encouraged to precool their homes and use major appliances and charge electric vehicles and electronic devices before 4 p.m., when conservation begins to become most critical.
Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to find more electricity conservation tips, visit https://flexalert.org/.
Flex Alert conservation actions
Before 4 p.m.:
• Precool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
• Use major appliances, including washers and dryers, dishwashers, and ovens and stoves for pre-cooking and preparing meals.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows.
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
• Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits.
• Avoid using major appliances and charging electric vehicles.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights.