FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) announced that consumer conservation helped grid operators avoid rotating power outages today.
Reduced electricity use also prevented power interruptions yesterday, and for two days during a mid-August heatwave.
The grid operator declared a Stage 2 Emergency just before 6 p.m. today when a transmission line from Oregon reduced capacity by 900 megawatts (MW) due to the heat. At the same time, generation totaling 260 megawatts (MW) tripped offline. Conservation helped grid operators overcome those challenges and avoid rotating power outages.
"Consumer action to conserve energy tonight was key to helping us keep power flowing throughout the state," said Eric Schmitt, ISO's Vice President of Operations. "We recognize the sacrifice that consumers make in conserving energy during these very hot conditions, and appreciate their contribution."
The ISO issued a Flex Alert to urge consumers to conserve energy during this statewide heatwave that's driving up energy consumption. The Flex Alert will be re-issued tomorrow, with conservation needed again from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Temperatures tomorrow will continue to be hot throughout the western US. The ISO is also monitoring numerous wildfires that may impact electrical lines.
For information on Flex Alerts, to get more electricity conservation tips, and to sign up for conservation alerts, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website. Visit the ISO's News page for more information on the heat wave's impacts on grid operations, and to learn more about alerts, warnings and emergency notices.
For updates on grid operations, follow us on Twitter at @California_ISO or @FlexAlert, or monitor system conditions in real time at ISO's Today's Outlook.
