Californians are being asked to conserve energy between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. today.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issuing a statewide Flex Alert for Friday, July 9th, citing extreme temperatures across much of the state and a potential capacity shortfall on the state’s electric grid. State residents are urged to conserve power during the alert window by setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, cooling rooms with fans or by closing curtains, turning off unneeded lights and avoiding using large appliances.
In the hours before the Flex Alert takes effect, the system operator encourages people to take steps to help the state manage energy use later in the day, including the following:
- Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
- If you need to use your major appliances, do it earlier in the day, when solar energy is abundant
- Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
- Take advantage of the solar energy to charge electronic devices and electric vehicles so there’s no need to do it later, when solar is not available