[OCRegister] With searing heat driving up air-conditioner use across California, the manager of the state’s power grid has called for another Flex Alert, urging residents to conserve as much electricity as possible on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 4 to 9 p.m.A Flex Alert was also called on Wednesday. During the alerts, residents are urged to volunteer to take power-saving steps.
The power-system operator has warned that more are likely in the coming week, particularly on Sunday and Monday, forecasted to have especially high electricity demand.
The California Independent System Operator issues Flex Alerts because of "high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies."
Ways to cut back on electricity:
— Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher
— Avoiding use of major appliances
— Turn off unnecessary lights
— Try to avoid charging electric vehicles
— Close blinds and drapes to keep interiors cool
A Flex Alert is the lowest-level notification issued by Cal-ISO. If voluntary conservation fails to cut strain on the power grid, the agency could move into a series of emergency alerts that could lead to rolling blackouts.
The heat wave baking most of the state is expected to continue through the Labor Day weekend.