Photo: AFP
A statewide Flex Alert takes effect this afternoon due to the sweltering heat.
The California Independent System Operator issued the alert from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Folks are urged to limit their power usage during that time. The Flex Alert is in response to soaring temperatures and the growing number of wildfires in the state. The agency is urging residents to precool their homes by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees and to use major appliances before 4 p.m. Blinds and drapes should be drawn to keep the cool air inside.
Once the alert kicks in, the agency asks residents to turn off unnecessary lights, delay using major appliances until after 9 p.m. and to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits.