Flex Alert: State energy operator calls for energy reduction on Thursday
(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a Flex Alert after forecasting that the current heat wave will push residents and businesses toward higher electrical power use.
The Flex Alert period starts Thursday at 5 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m, the agency said in a press release. It covers a time period when temperatures are forecast to be well over 100 degrees through the Sacramento region, including parts of Solano County.
"A Flex Alert is typically issued in the summer when extremely hot weather pushes up energy demand as it reaches available capacity," the agency said in a statement. “This usually happens in the evening hours when solar generation is going offline and consumers are returning home and switching on air conditioners, lights, and appliances.”
The state agency predicts it will have enough energy capacity to serve residents at the hottest point in the day when sunshine is abundant enough to power solar energy systems. That abundance should prevent California ISO and utility companies from needing to implement rolling blackouts.
The problem lies in what happens once the sun starts to go down: Temperatures will remain hot around 5 p.m., the period in which most residents return home from work and begin using energy-hungry appliances like air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers.
Once the sun sets, the state’s ability to produce new solar energy is reduced. If the energy demand is not also reduced, it could strain the electrical grid.
To offset this potential problem, Flex Alerts are issued by California ISO. The alerts call on residents and businesses to reduce their electrical energy use during the alert time period.
Residents and businesses can decrease their energy use during the Flex Alert period by:
Reducing the use of power-hungry appliances like clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers during the hottest parts of the day;
Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health conditions allow;
Turning off unnecessary lights and unplugging appliances and other devices when not in use;
Keeping doors and windows closed when air conditioning is in use;
Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible; and
Pre-charging electric vehicles and other devices that depend on batteries during off-peak hours, including overnight.
For more information on what a Flex Alert means and how to reduce energy use, visit the California ISO’s Flex Alert webpage by clicking or tapping here.
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