California

Flex Alert: Californians Asked to Conserve Power During Record Heat

Several days of extreme heat are in this week's forecast

What to Know

  • Flex Alert in effect Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher
  • Use major appliances only late in the evening or early in the morning

The state's independent system operator issued a statewide Flex Alert for Tuesday and Wednesday due to a heat wave that includes record high temperatures. 

Temperatures will reach triple digits Tuesday and Wednesday across a widespread part of Southern California, leading California ISO to issue a voluntary call for voluntary electricity conservation Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Consumers are asked to conserve power during the afternoon and evening, when air conditioners are usually at peak use.

You can check on the state's current and forecast power demand by clicking here. The ISO's service territory serves about 80 percent of California's electricity consumers.

Power Conservation Tips

  • Power outages can occur during periods of high heat when residents and businesses crank up their air conditioners at the same time. 
  • Turn thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health conditions permit.
  • Postpone use of major appliances until after 9 p.m.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights.
  • Adjust water heaters to 120 degrees.
  • Use major appliances only late in the evening or early in the morning
  • Turn off pool pumps.

Record-breaking heat will continue through Wednesday across Southern California and excessive heat warnings are in effect throughout the region. 

The excessive heat warning will be in force along the LA County coast, in beach cities, metropolitan Los Angeles, downtown LA, and the Hollywood Hills; the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys; the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains; and inland Orange County, where highs will range from the mid 90s to 104. It will expire at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Also in effect was a less serious heat advisory scheduled to expire in Orange County at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Along the coast, a high surf advisory will be in force in LA and Orange counties until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Surf of 4 to 7 feet is expected through Wednesday night in LA and Ventura counties, with maximum sets to 9 feet. In Orange County, surf of 5 to 8 feet is expected.

Swimming conditions along the coast will be dangerous due to the high surf, forecasters said.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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