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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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This Is What Happens When You Flex Your Power

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Yesterday I flexed, I saved power, I took a quick shower in the dark, I refused to use AC in the middle of the day and I lost one candle (or at least, I have a new piece of art resembling, uh....). So what is this flexing your power thing?

A Flex Alert is an urgent call for California businesses, governments and residents to voluntarily reduce their electricity use. The alert is used to prevent Stage 1 Electrical Emergencies - times when the demand for electricity is at its peak, typically during very hot weather.

And it's pretty easy to help out at home or at work:

  1. Turn off all unnecessary lights, computers and appliances.
  2. Postpone using major appliances until after 7 p.m.
  3. Turn your air conditioning thermostat to 78° F or higher.

Today is another Flex Alert. I'll be on the lookout for another melted item in my house.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

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Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

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