A statewide Flex Alert issued by the Independent Systems Operator (ISO), will last through 6 p.m. Friday but has been called for the weekend.
According to the ISO, higher than normal temperatures statewide had caused power usage to spike, placing strain on the power grid, including Southern California. If usage was not curtailed, rolling blackouts were possible.
But offiicals Friday afternoon credited consumers for helping to reduce the need for rolling outages as had been a possibility Thursday.
Erin Johnson of ISO told Patch Friday afternoon that as a result of people effectively conserving energy, the alert for Saturday and Sunday had been canceled.
California ISO says at this point it is not planning a flex alert for Monday unless conditions change.
Real time grid conditions can be monitored here.
Earlier story:
The Flex Alert urges all Californians to reduce electricity usage and shift non-essential use until after 6:00 p.m.
Three steps are recommended now by the ISO:
- Turn off all unnecessary lights, computers and appliances.
- Adjust your air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. Use a fan when possible.
- Postpone using major appliances and equipment until after 6:00 p.m.
The Flex Alert comes as the Coachella Valley hits a second streak of temperatures pushing 120 degrees this summer, with highs of 115 to 118 expected today.
