Full Notification

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for Monday, August 17, through Wednesday, August 20. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 to 10 p.m. each day.

A persistent, record-breaking heat wave in California and the western states is causing a strain on supplies, and consumers should be prepared for likely rolling outages during the late afternoons and early evenings through Wednesday. There is not a sufficient amount of energy to meet the high amounts of demand during the heatwave.

Consumers are urged to lower energy use during the most critical time of the day, 3 to 10 p.m., when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting. Extended periods of heat also can cause generator equipment failures that can lead to more serious unplanned losses of power.

Between 3 and 10 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 also can take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

"Pre-cool" your homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
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.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org.

Reminder: the City's Parks and Recreation Department is operating a Cool Zone open to all residents from 12 to 5 p.m. daily located in the old Sears building in the Chula Vista Center. The Cool Zone allows water only; no food, no smoking and sorry, no pets. Movies will be shown throughout the day. Visitors must wear a mask. This location is at a separate entrance from the COVID-19 testing site.

To help beat the heat, please limit outdoor activities and drink plenty of water. Be safe and try to stay cool!