As temperatures continue to rise, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert for today and tomorrow (June 20-21) calling for voluntary electricity conservation from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The California ISO is the statewide operator of the power grid managing the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California’s and a small part of Nevada’s power grid—serving approximately 30 million customers.
Every year at SDG&E, we prepare for the summer by taking added measures to secure enough energy to serve the needs of our customers and the region. This year is no different. Despite having sufficient electricity supplies to serve the needs of our local customers, the statewide grid is interconnected and anything can happen at any time, which is why SDG&E plans for situations like extreme heat waves.
At this time, we do not foresee any issue with meeting the energy needs of our customers over the course of the week. However, we are encouraging San Diegans to conserve energy given we are interconnected. Our conservation efforts will help the entire State when it needs it the most.
Below are some helpful conservation tips that you can to do at home to help relieve stress on the grid:
- Central air conditioning is one of the biggest energy users. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home if your comfort or health permit.
- Stay cool with ceiling or portable fans.
- Power down equipment, turn off unnecessary lights and hold off on doing laundry or running the dishwasher until after 9 p.m.
- Block out the sun’s heat by closing blinds, shades or drapes during the hottest part of the day.
- Visit a Cool Zone to escape mid-day summer heat and reduce air conditioning use. Call 1-800-510-2020 and press “6” to find a Cool Zone near you.
Visit SDGE.com or click here for more ways to save energy and money.