FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow.

With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator predicts an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. The temperatures are above normal for this time of year, creating an anticipated shortage in energy supply in the late afternoon hours through the evening.

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 asked to turn off unnecessary lights, delay using major appliances until after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.

The conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Energy reduction during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

• Before 3 p.m., "pre-cool" buildings by setting air conditioning thermostats lower than usual; also, charge electronic devices and electric vehicles; and run dishwashers, washers and dryers and other major appliances.
• After 3 p.m., set thermostat at 78° or higher
• Cool with fans and draw drapes
• Turn off unnecessary lights and defer use of appliances

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, to prepare for possible energy shortages due to an unusually warm beginning of October.

With high temperatures in the forecast today and tomorrow, the power grid operator is predicting a dramatic rise in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Power grid operators have been preparing for the hot weather for several days by getting commitments from all available resources.

One of the most important ways the public can help is "pre-cooling" homes and buildings in the morning and early afternoon prior to 3 p.m., and then setting thermostats higher until 10 p.m.

The state's program for lining up enough energy to serve demand is based on historical weather conditions, which are typically cooling down this time of year. However, the current autumn spike in temperatures – as much as 15-20 degrees above normal -- means the grid doesn't have as much energy available as summer months, when high demand is expected.

In addition to a forecasted capacity shortfall, wildfires are threatening transmission lines across the state, and in fact, generators that were taken offline several weeks ago due to fire have not returned to service. Smoke from wildfires is adding forecast uncertainty, and has the potential to reduce solar power production as the weather pattern changes over the coming days.

Under these circumstances, consumer conservation is needed to absorb any additional unexpected outages on the system. Flex Alert participation today can buffer against reliability concerns and power interruptions.

The ISO was made aware of a projected gap in supply in the day-ahead market yesterday. All available resources were committed to serve load, and steps were taken to bring all resources on line, and to increase flow of imports to the system.

The ISO issued a Grid Alert yesterday to warn of a possible electricity shortage in the day-ahead market, for one hour beginning at 6 p.m. today. A Restricted Maintenance Operations (RMO) notice was also issued for the period of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. today. The Grid Alert allows operators to access demand response supply, and the RMO allows operators to call all available generation onto the system and bring back transmission that may be offline for planned maintenance.

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.

Energy use reduction during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

While the heat is forecasted to extend into tomorrow and possibly the weekend, no further Flex Alerts have been scheduled at this time. The ISO is closely monitoring supplies, weather and fire activity.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow.

With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Reduced capacity, along with fire activity and heat, has led to a potential shortage of energy supply tomorrow evening.

Earlier this afternoon, a Grid Alert was issued for a possible electricity shortage in the day-ahead market, for one hour beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow, and a Restricted Maintenance Operations (RMO) notice was issued for the period 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow. The Grid Alert will allow operators to call up demand response supply, while the RMO allows operators to call all available generation onto the system and bring back transmission that may be offline for planned maintenance.

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 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.

The conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Energy reduction during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for Californians to conserve electricity today, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to be above normal statewide for the third consecutive day, driving up electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use.

The ISO is also monitoring several serious wildfires throughout the state threatening power lines. Weather forecasts show wind will pick up beginning late tonight through Wednesday, increasing fire danger. Wildfires can trip or destroy power lines, reducing transmission and shrinking energy supplies.

Consumers can actively help stretch electricity supplies by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of power interruptions.

Consumer conservation efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing power outages, and again on Sept. 5 and 6.

The grid operator declared a Stage 2 Emergency just before 6 p.m. Sunday 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.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.

Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

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.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for Californians to conserve electricity, to prevent or limit expected rotating power outages today.

Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow to reduce strain on the power system.

Temperatures during this current heat storm are expected to peak today, pushing demand for energy beyond levels of available supply. There is currently not a sufficient supply of energy to meet the high amounts of demand during the heatwave.

Based on the current forecast and without significant conservation efforts, rotating power outages are likely throughout the state today between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of power interruptions. Consumer conservation efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing expected power outages.

Consumers were again instrumental in helping the grid avoid rotating outages on Saturday.

The ISO declared a Stage 2 Emergency on Saturday when wildfires took out 1,600 megawatts (MW) of resources in Southern California.

It is uncertain when that lost energy will return service, and likely will lower supplies available on Sunday, making conditions on Sunday more challenging and outages more likely.

The ISO also issued a Grid Alert Notice yesterday to inform market participants that supply will be tight today. The notice encourages energy producers to bid into the ISO's day-ahead market.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home. However, if a large enough number of consumers conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies. Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) announced that consumer conservation helped grid operators avoid rotating power outages today.

The grid operator earlier declared a Stage 2 Emergency, when wildfires took 1,600 megawatts (MW) of resources off the grid, however, conservation helped avoid further emergencies, including rolling outages.

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 continue on Sunday and Monday, with conservation needed between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. each day.

Temperatures during this heat wave are expected to peak tomorrow, pushing demand for energy beyond levels of available supply. Based on the current forecast and without significant conservation efforts, the ISO is planning for the potential for rotating power outages throughout the state tomorrow between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) declared a statewide Flex Alert, a call for Californians to conserve electricity, beginning today from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Flex Alerts have also been issued for Sunday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 7, to help the power grid maintain reliability during the extreme heat forecast statewide on the holiday weekend. The ISO is asking consumers to reduce energy use from the hours of 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on all three days.

Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast up to 15-25 degrees above normal for California, and the grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 5-15 degrees higher than normal, which doesn't allow infrastructure to cool down.

Consumers should always be prepared for potential power outages, both planned and unplanned during heat waves, especially in extremely high temperatures that last multiple days. Hot weather can also impact generation and transmission equipment, as it runs harder and longer with less time to cool, which can cause machinery failure.

High heat is also predicted throughout the West for the weekend, limiting available import energy to serve demand.

Several wildfires in the state are also a concern because fires can take out transmission lines, or cause lines to be shut down for the safety of firefighters in the area.

Consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of possible power interruptions. Conservations efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing expected power outages.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home. However, if a large enough number of consumers conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies.

Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday and extending through Monday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 10 degrees higher than normal, which doesn't allow infrastructure to cool down.

High heat is also predicted throughout the West for the weekend, which can limit the ISO's ability to import energy to serve demand.

Consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of possible power interruptions. For example, consumer conservation efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing expected power outages.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home. However, if a large enough number of consumers conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies. Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

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.

FOLSOM, Calif. – For the third consecutive day, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) said consumer conservation efforts had averted rotating power outages, even though energy supplies were tight.

Imported energy and increased wind production also helped the grid with additional resources.

The ISO thanks California consumers for their conservation of power in the afternoon and evenings during persistent high temperatures. California's record-breaking heat wave has put strain on the ISO electric system since Friday, Aug. 14, as air conditioners pushed up electricity demand.

In an effort to prevent or limit power outages during this heat wave, the ISO issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, until 9 p.m. tonight.

For the most up-to-date information on grid emergencies, follow us on Twitter at @California_ISO.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – With the state's heat wave dragging into its sixth day, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) is asking for the public's help this afternoon by reducing energy use earlier than a typical Flex Alert.

A statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, will be in effect from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today. Consumer response to the Flex Alerts has been instrumental in averting power loss for two straight days.

With temperatures forecast above-normal again today, operators are expecting demand on the system to come in high, particularly in the mid-afternoon hours. California's record-breaking persistent heat wave has put strain on the ISO electric system, primarily driven by air conditioning use across the state.

Rotating power outages are still possible if system conditions don't improve. However, expected outages on Monday and Tuesday were prevented partly by consumers using less electricity in the most critical time of the afternoon and early evening, when temperatures remain high and solar production drops.

Conservation efforts during these times can prevent more dire measures, such as rotating power outages, or generator equipment failures that can lead to more serious unplanned losses of power.

The ISO understands that conserving electricity is difficult, especially for those working from home or who have children attending school at home. But if all Californians are thoughtful about their energy use, even in small ways, power interruptions can be avoided or limited.

Between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits
• Defer use of major appliances
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Unplug unused electrical devices
• Close blinds and drapes
• Use fans when possible
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 2 p.m.:

• Pre-cool their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats
• Pre-cook meals
• Charge electric vehicles
• Charge mobile devices and laptops
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances
• Set pool pumps to run in the morning or during the night

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) credits energy conservation from consumers for averting expected power outages yesterday, and urges Californians to continue being thoughtful about energy use during this long and extreme heat wave.

A statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, will be in effect for today and tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

California's record-breaking persistent heat wave has put extraordinary strain on the ISO electric system, as air conditioners are working harder and longer to keep spaces cool during the high temperatures. Because of high heat and limited energy supplies, rotating power outages are likely over the next two days.

The ISO declared a Stage 2 Emergency yesterday afternoon to prepare utilities to start rotating power outages throughout California. The rotating outages are implemented to prevent more widespread and serious loss of power. But cloud cover, along with conservation efforts, pushed demand down and prevented the grid operator from ordering load shedding.

With today's temperatures forecast above normal again, consumers can continue to take stress off the grid by lowering energy use during the most critical time of the day, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., when temperatures remain high, and the sun is setting, removing thousands of megawatts of solar power from the system.

Conservation efforts during these times can prevent more dire measures, such as rotating power outages, or generator equipment failures that can lead to more serious unplanned losses of power.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or with children schooling at home. However, if a large number of consumers do their part in small ways, conservation can make a difference.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the morning or during the night.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – In an effort to prevent or limit power outages during this heat wave, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today and extending through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

California's record-breaking persistent heat wave has put extraordinary strain on the ISO electric system, as air conditioners are working harder and longer to keep spaces cool during the high temperatures. Because of high heat and limited energy supplies, rotating power outages are likely over the next two days.

Consumers can take stress off the grid by lowering energy use during the most critical time of the day, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., when temperatures remain high, and the sun is setting, removing thousands of megawatts of solar power from the system.

Conservation efforts during these times can prevent more dire measures, such as rotating power outages, or generator equipment failures that can lead to more serious unplanned losses of power.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or with children schooling at home. However, if a large number of consumers do their part in small ways, conservation can make a difference.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the morning or during the night.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning today and extending through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

A persistent, record-breaking heat wave in California and the western states is causing a strain on supplies, and consumers should be prepared for likely rolling outages during the late afternoons and early evenings through Wednesday. There is not a sufficient amount of energy to meet the high amounts of demand during the heatwave.

However, consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours and conserving as much energy as possible during the late afternoon and evening hours. Consumer conservation can help lower demand and avoid further actions including outages, and lessen the duration of an outage.

Consumers are urged to lower energy use during the most critical time of the day, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.

Extended periods of heat also can cause generator equipment failures that can lead to more serious unplanned losses of power.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or with children schooling at home. However, if a large number of consumers do their part in small ways, conservation can make a difference.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

• Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
• Defer use of major appliances.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Unplug unused electrical devices.
• Close blinds and drapes.
• Use fans when possible.
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:

• "Pre-cool" their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
• Charge electric vehicles.
• Charge mobile devices and laptops.
• Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
• Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO's Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. today.

With excessively high temperatures forecast for California, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from residential air conditioning use. Conservation efforts could be critical to maintaining reliability on the power system.

California and the Southwest US will be experiencing near-record or record-breaking heat, up to 10-20 degrees above normal in some areas. Above-normal temperatures for the West, including California, are expected to last through the weekend and into late next week.

Prolonged heat over several consecutive days is expected to drive electricity demand higher, as nighttime temperatures are also forecast to be above average. Remnants of a tropical system are expected to bring cloud cover to areas of California through this event, reducing solar generation, which leads to tighter energy supplies.

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 urged to set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turn off unnecessary lights, and use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m.

These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply. Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

The ISO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14.

With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from residential air conditioning use.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches and warnings for portions of California and the Southwest US. California will be experiencing near-record or record-breaking heat, up to 10-20 degrees above normal in some areas. Above-normal temperatures for the West, including California, are expected to last through the weekend and into late next week.

Prolonged heat over several consecutive days is expected to drive electricity demand higher, as nighttime temperatures are also forecast to be above average. Remnants of tropical system “Elida” will bring cloud cover to areas of California through this event, reducing solar generation, which leads to tighter energy supplies.

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, use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m., and set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.

These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

The ISO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website.