South San Francisco, CA July 27, 2021 Submitted by ISO
Consumers urged to reduce energy use from 4-9 p.m. to protect grid reliability
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Wednesday, July 28 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high energy demand and tight supplies across the West.
With higher than normal temperatures in the forecast for parts of interior Northern California, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. The increase can make electricity supplies tight and cause strain on our power grid.
Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and solar energy production falling. Consumers are also asked to turn off unnecessary lights, delay using major appliances until after 9 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits.
The conservation measures can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Reduced electricity use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org.
Learn more about Flex Alerts and what you can do to prepare before an alert
During a Flex Alert
• Avoid using major appliances
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use fans for cooling
• Unplug unused items
A Flex Alert is issued when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures.
A Flex Alert is a call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity. Your participation can help avoid more serious steps to protect the power grid, including rotating outages.