The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) (the organization that manages the state’s power grid) announced a Flex Alert (A Flex Alert is a call for customers to voluntarily conserve electricity when there is a predicted shortage of energy supply) amid the forecasts of high temperatures across the state. Reduced capacity, along with fire activity and heat, has led to a potential shortage of energy supply tomorrow evening, CAISO says.
To help keep the lights on for everyone, the Flex Alert was issued for 3:00pm to 10:00pm today, Thursday, October 1, 2020. Please remember that in order to conserve as much energy as possible, PG&E strongly urges customers to reduce their use of electricity by following these conservation tips:
- Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.
- Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.
- Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the home.
- Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
- Limit the opening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
- Clean clothes and dishes early: Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10:00 pm.
For more information about Flex Alerts visit the Flex Alerts website. To monitor the CAISO grid conditions, visit the following website: http://www.caiso.com/TodaysOutlook/Pages/default.aspx
