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Flex Alert for California extended through Thursday amid sweltering heat wave
In this file photo, the sun shines over towers carrying electrical lines August 30, 2007 in South San Francisco, California. California’s Independent System Operator issued a Flex Alert on Wednesday, calling on consumers to conserve particularly during the peak demand hours between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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In this file photo, the sun shines over towers carrying electrical lines August 30, 2007 in South San Francisco, California. California’s Independent System Operator issued a Flex Alert on Wednesday, calling on consumers to conserve particularly during the peak demand hours between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
California has extended its statewide alert, asking consumers to conserve energy through Thursday amid the sweltering heat wave in Southern California.
The state's Independent System Operator issued the alert on Wednesday, asking users to be particularly cautious during the peak demand hours between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Energy supplies were expected to be tight because of the heat, power plant outages and reduced import capacity, possibly because neighboring states are also experiencing high heat, the ISO said in a statement.
The ISO issues Flex Alerts in an effort to boost voluntary conservation efforts from consumers. It typically means that unless demand is reduced, grid operators may have to tap power reserves to keep up with use.
High temperatures are predicted for the rest of the week, so the ISO urged consumers to continue saving even after the alert lapses.
It offered the following tips to cut back on energy use:
- Set thermostat at 78 or higher and turn off, if away
- Cool with fans & draw drapes
- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
- Use major appliances in morning or late evening
You can also check out our heat hacks to find ways to stay cool without using too much power.
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