SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – San Diego Gas & Electric says rolling outages are likely to continue through the weekend and into next week, but that the situation remains very fluid.
The California Independent System Operator (CA ISO), which manages the state’s power grid, has advised the utility that more outages are likely to be needed, especially on Monday and Tuesday, as a lingering heat wave grips it. the state continues.
However, just as soon as the agency reversed course and gave the order Saturday night, plans could change, according to SDG & E.
How these rolling outages work
Roll lifting is a method that CA ISO uses to take the load off the California power grid. If the state says the grid is under too much stress, every utility in the state has a percentage of electricity that should not be deducted from it to meet wattage CA ISO seeks, according to SDG & E. That amount that a utility is asked to cut during these rolling blackouts is approved every year with CA ISO regulators.
SDG & E determines which weeks will be affected by creating a list of blocks. Each of those blocks accounts for about 25 megawatts of electricity. Once CA ISO tells SDG&E how much power it needs to cut, then SDG&E goes down that list from the top, de-energizing blocks until it is told to stop.
The next day, the company picks up where it left off on the list, so the same weeks are not affected every night. Once SDG&E goes through the entire list, it starts at the top again.
Stops can take up to an hour, but can also be relatively quick. Saturday, the first unlocked block lasted about 17 minutes, according to the company.
What you can do to help
To prevent premature blackouts, officials say the best way to take energy savings seriously. Because these outages are issued by the state, maintenance is required in all cases by all Californians.
Officials advise setting the thermostat to 78 degrees, turning off unnecessary lights and electronics, and using appliances before 3pm to save energy.
In the event of a power outage, SDG&E proposes that customers turn off air conditioners, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and reduce their water use due to the need for electricity to pump and process water. For owners of electric cars, charging should be delayed as much as possible until after the emergency shutdowns, said SDG & E.
SDG & E offers more security tips to keep in mind in the event of an outbreak here.
