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Expected energy demand prompts California Flex Alert on Wednesday, Thursday

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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The agency that manages California's power grid issued a Flex Alert for Wednesday and Thursday, citing predicted high energy demand and tight supplies.

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is asking residents to conserve energy from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, as high temperatures are expected to cover much of the state on Wednesday.

Cal-ISO said the expected surge in power consumption is primarily predicted to be from air conditioning use.

The Flex Alerts have been issued due to above-normal temperatures leading to high electricity demand in California and parts of the western US, narrow margins of supply, and cloud cover creating uncertainty for renewable generation forecasts," Cal-ISO said in a release.

To conserve power before and during a Flex Alert, residents are asked to:

Before:

  • Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
  • Use major appliances during the day
  • Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows

During:

  • Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
  • Avoid using major appliances
  • Turn off all unnecessary lights

California's grid is more at-risk during the late afternoon and early evening because demand is higher and is the state sees a decline in solar energy production.