Heatwave in California: Rotating interruptions underway after Phase 3 emergency declared due to power demand

Rotating outages were underway Friday after a Stage 3 emergency went into action due to higher demand for power.

Edison of Southern California said against the direction of the California Independent System Administrator, they implemented rotating power outages.

According to SCE, the rotating outages typically take about an hour.

Just before 7.30pm was the City of Anaheim said rolling power outages were underway through the city and would “last no longer than 15 minutes.”

“A Stage 3 emergency has been declared as demand expands beyond available supply. Rotary power outages have been initiated to maintain stability of the electrical network,” Cal ISO said in a news release.

A Stage 2 emergency was declared at 5 p.m., due to penalties from the state’s power grid amid a burning California heat wave, according to Cal ISO.

“The ISO is working closely with utilities and adjacent power systems to manage the voltage on the grid to limit any potential distortions,” ” according to a Cal-ISO news release.

Cal-ISO said the previously issued Flex Alert has been extended to 10 hours, and is asking residents to save electricity.

Residents were therefore asked to set their air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turn off unnecessary lights, and avoid using large appliances between 3pm and 10pm on Friday.

On Twitter, Cal-ISO warned “If system conditions do not improve, the ISO will call a Phase 3 with rotating power outages.”

Southern California warming will be expected after the weekend.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for communities in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties on Monday, in addition to a Heat Advisory for the coast in Los Angeles and downtown.

Tips for staying safe during a heat wave as the temperature rises