Statewide Heat Wave Creates Power Outages

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 30: The sun shines over towers carrying electical lines August 30, 2007 in South San Francisco, California. With temperatures over 100 degrees in many parts of the state, the California Independent System Operator, which manages most of the California electricity grid, is planning on declaring a minor power emergency later in the day, followed by a Stage 2 power alert during the late afternoon, indicating that power reserves have fallen below five percent. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

As the state enters the fourth day of one of the worst heat waves in years, Southern California Edison is asking customers to help conserve energy, especially from 3-10 p.m., to reduce the overall stress on the electrical grid.

The California Independent System Operator has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning today and extending through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3-10 p.m. each day.

With increased demand on the power grid due to high temperatures, the state may issue a Stage 3 Emergency and direct SCE to conduct rotating outages. While CAISO rotating outages could be called at anytime of the day, they are most likely to occur between 6-8 p.m.

If needed, the controlled rotating outages typically last about one hour for each rotating outage group, but could be shorter or longer in duration, depending upon circumstances. More information on CAISO rotating outages, including communities that might be affected, can be found at www.sce.com/rotatingoutage.

Photo credit – KPBS

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