Full Notification

Flex Alert Issued Through Wednesday August 19
Call for Statewide Consumer Conservation

A statewide Flex Alert will be in effect for today and tomorrow from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issues a Flex Alert when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages or from persistent hot temperatures. Consumers are urged to voluntarily conserve electricity to help avoid CAISO rotating outages.

California’s record-breaking persistent heatwave has put extraordinary strain on the ISO electric system, as air conditioners are working harder and longer to keep spaces cool during the high temperatures. Because of high heat and limited energy supplies, rotating power outages are likely over the next two days. The CAISO credits energy conservation from consumers for averting expected power outages yesterday and urges Californians to continue being thoughtful about energy use during this prolonged and extreme heatwave.

The CAISO declared a Stage 2 Emergency yesterday afternoon to prepare utilities to start rotating power outages throughout California. Rotating outages prevent a more severe and widespread loss of power. But cloud cover, along with conservation efforts, pushed demand down and stopped the grid operator from ordering load shedding.

With today’s temperatures forecast above average again, consumers can continue to take the stress off the grid by lowering energy use between the hours of 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, when temperatures remain high, and the sun is setting, removing thousands of megawatts of solar power from the system. Conservation efforts during these times can prevent more desperate measures, such as rotating power outages, or generator equipment failures that can lead to more unplanned severe losses of power. The CAISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working and schooling at home. However, if a large number of consumers do their part in small ways, conservation can make a difference.

Between 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM., the CAISO 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 3:00 PM:

·       “Pre-cool” 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 morning or during the night

Visit Southern California Edison for information about whether you could be subject to a CAISO rotating outage or call (800) 611-1911. View information on System Alerts, Warnings, and Emergencies, follow grid conditions in real-time at California ISO’s Today’s Outlook, and for details on Flex Alerts, and electricity conservation tips, visit the CAISO’s Flex Alert website.

Thank you for doing your part to conserve energy during the Flex Alert.