“These blackouts, which occurred without warning or sufficient time for preparation, are unacceptable and do not meet the nation’s largest and most innovative state,” Govin Newsom wrote in a letter to CAISO, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission.
Newsom said he just found “moments” about the blackouts before they started. Electric network operators were “caught flat-footed, unable to prevent disruptive blackouts and adequately warn the public.”
“Gather failed energy regulators to anticipate this event and take necessary action to provide reliable power to Californians,” Newsom wrote. “This can not stand.”
The emergency measure releases energy by allowing utilities to use backup energy sources to reduce the pressure on the power supply.
Newsom asked the three organizations to provide updated forecasts for the demand for energy for the coming days and for all projected gaps between supply and demand.
Cooling centers are available in communities throughout the state, but capacity is limited due to social distance protocols. Those who have tested positive for coronavirus or exhibited symptoms are not allowed.
CAISO is a non-profit corporation that manages and generates the flow of electricity and transmits it through its membership programs on the electric grid that serves 80% of California and a small portion of Nevada.
CAISO asked Californians to reduce energy consumption during peak hours, between 3 and 10 p.m. The company devised ways to save energy, such as turning off unnecessary lights, closing your curtains, using fans, and if your health permits the thermostat at 78 degrees.
CNN has reached out to CAISO, the State Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, and other utilities for comment.
CNN’s Theresa Waldrop contributed to this report.
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