State Officials Issue Flex Alert Due to Continuing Heat
As a heat wave continues to make its way through the state, the California Independent System Operator has called a statewide Flex Alert for Tuesday and Wednesday during the peak times of 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The alert comes as high temperatures are expected over the next couple of days and is a request for the public to conserve electricity. This will help to reduce stress on the statewide electrical grid, and help stave off possible power outages.
The public can limit their use of electricity by: turning off all unnecessary lights, setting air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher and postponing the use of major appliances until after 9 p.m.
Flex Alerts are issued by the system operator to help encourage conservation by the public to decrease the demand on the electrical grid. Southern California Edison is asking customers to take part in the conservation efforts.
Other ways customers can conserve energy include:
- Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
- Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
- Shut off lights when leaving a room.
- Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
- Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
- Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.
- Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
- When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours.
For more information on Flex Alerts: flexalert.org.
