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As the state of California enters its sixth day of record heatwave, Pacific Gas and Electric Compay (PG&E) is encouraging its customers to save electricity, as current energy supply forecasts indicate the potential for rotating power outages Wednesday.
The warning comes in the wake of a statewide Flex Alert issued by the California Independent System Operators (ISO) for Wednesday from 2pm to 9pm. The extreme heat is currently expected to last at least Thursday, bringing the demand for electricity higher.
“After Flex Alerts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Californians stepped up to respond in huge numbers to calls for energy conservation,” PG&E said in a statement. “Thanks in large part to those conservation efforts, CAISO PG&E and other utilities did not have to call for rotating interruptions on any of these days. Continuous maintenance is the best way for customers to reduce overall demand and help prevent stress on the power supply that can lead to power outages. “
CALIFORNIA POWER TROUBLES, ROLLING BLACKOUT THREAT DRAW IRE OVER RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION
According to PG&E, rotated outages, declared by CAISO, are necessary if the organization is “unable to meet minimum requirements for reservation residences and cargo interruption is difficult when underway.”
“During these emergencies, the CAISO will typically order state utilities, including PG&E, to reduce electrical charge by disabling service to prevent major power outages,” PG&E added. “Because of the emergency nature of these strikes, utilities may not be able to issue a warning to customers.”
A car drives down a road as radiant heat is seen coming from the sidewalk near high-voltage power lines in the North Hollywood part of Los Angeles on Saturday, August 15, 2020. California has ordered rolling power outages for the firs
To save energy, PG&E advises customers to increase the thermostat to 78 degrees when they are at home and 85 degrees when they are outside, use a ceiling fan to increase the air conditioning by about 4 degrees, cover windows, prevent the use of ovens, limit the operation of refrigerators, and use washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10 p.m.
The utility also advises checking the weather forecast in preparation for hot days, keeping a list of phone numbers, checking in on the most vulnerable populations such as the elderly, staying hydrated, taking a cold shower or bath, wearing light, loose, light – colored clothing, and stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
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When rotating outages are put in place, customers can look up their address to determine if their household will be affected at www.pge.com/rotatingoutages. The potential outages are expected to last about two hours.
Flames are consuming a cabin at Nichelini Family Winery in unincorporated Napa County as the Hennessey Fire burns on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. A family member of the winemaker said they spent 10 hours Monday renovating the cabin foundation. Fire crews over
The move comes as California struggles with at least 367 known fires burning statewide, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday.
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