As the heat wave continues through Southern California, another statewide Flex Alert has been issued for Monday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to help stabilize the state’s electric grid.
The California Independent System Operator also issued a Flex Alert over the weekend on Friday and Saturday.
The fast-moving Bootleg Fire tripped off transmission lines on Friday and again Saturday, limiting electricity flow from the Pacific Northwest to California and other states, the ISO said in a news release.
In addition, the ISO issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations (RMO) for Monday that requires generators to postpone any planned outages for routine equipment maintenance, ensuring that all available resources can be dispatched to the grid, the release said.
A Flex Alert is typically issued by the ISO when the electric grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.
It is a call to residents to conserve energy to avoid power disruptions and rolling blackouts, according to the ISO, which runs most of the state’s electric grid.
Consumers are encouraged to take these specific actions from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. while the Flex Alert is in effect:
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if your health permits
- Avoid using major appliances, like dish washers and clothes washers and dryers
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
Precautions can also be taken prior to the start of the Flex Alert, according to the ISO. They suggest consumers can:
- Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
- If you need to use your major appliances, do it before the Flex Alert is in effect, when solar energy is plentiful
- Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
- Charge electronic devices and electric vehicles so there’s no need to do it later, when solar generation is down
An excessive heat warning remained in effect on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Triple digit temperatures are expected in parts of Southern California with the threat of fire danger in some areas, according o the NWS.
The NWS advise residents to take precautions during these high temperatures by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, check up on relatives and neighbors and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
