LOS ANGELES – With depressing heat in the forecast, a statewide Flex Alert will be issued for Friday calling on residents to turn off their lights and conserve electricity.
Network operators predict increased demand for electricity, according to the California Independent System Operator (ISO), which has issued the Flex Alert to call for voluntary conservation of electricity. Residents and businesses are being asked to reduce their energy consumption, especially between the hours of 3 and 10 a.m. Friday.
“California will experience near-record breaking temperatures in some areas, up to 10-20 degrees above normal,” said ISO officials, noting that the heat will increase the demand for electricity, primarily through the use of air conditioning for homes. . “Longer temperatures over several consecutive days are expected to increase the demand for electricity, as night temperatures are also forecast above average.”
The National Water Service issued heat advice from 11 a.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday in the coastal counties of LA County – beach towns, downtown Los Angeles, downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills.
A more serious warning of excessive heat will be in effect from 11 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Monday in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, the San Gabriel, Santa Monica and – under 5,000 feet – the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, and from 11 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Antelope Valley.
Too much heat warning is also in effect for the Inland State, including the valleys and mountains of San Bernardino County and Riverside County, including the Coachella Valley, from noon Friday to 9 a.m. Monday.
California ISO officials note that remnants of tropical system Elida will bring cloud cover to parts of the state and potentially reduce solar energy generation.
“Consumers are encouraged to save electricity, especially in the late afternoon and early evening, when it is not most stressed due to higher demand and falling solar energy production,” they said.
Tips for saving energy from ISO include:
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- With large appliances use before 3pm and after 10am
- Setting climate thermostats to 78 degrees or higher
- From fans use
- Drapes remain drawn
Conservation measures can help the energy network keep up with supply and demand, and prevent energy outages, experts said.
