Tuesday, Californians were encouraged to drastically reduce their energy consumption due to severe power outages caused by the excessive heat.
Sacramento was experiencing 111 degree heat, while San Jose was experiencing 98 degree heat.
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, urged all residents to minimize their energy consumption during peak hours since residents’ use of air conditioning was straining the electricity grid.
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE), which supplies California with electricity, announced on Tuesday afternoon that they were preparing for ‘a new record all-time high for the grid,’ which would require them to reduce power supplies.
PGE said that 6,557 customers in the Bay Area were without power, with the northern and southern suburbs of San Jose, Livermore, Danville, and portions of San Francisco hardest hit.
But they cautioned others to be prepared for interruptions.
Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that the electricity grid was straining due to “just extraordinary heat.”
Tuesday afternoon shows widespread power outages, with the Bay Area being the most affected.
Michael Williams uses a popsicle and a bag of ice while Santa Rosa’s temperature reaches 112F.
As the warmth continued on Sunday, people cool themselves in the ocean near Santa Monica Beach.
How to respond to a Flex Alert
Before 4 p.m.:
Set the thermostat to a minimum of 72 degrees to pre-cool the house.
Utilize key kitchen appliances, including a washer and dryer, dishwasher, oven, and stove, to prepare meals.
Invest in electric automobiles
Adjust blinds and curtains to hide windows
From 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.:
If health permits, raise the temperature to 78 degrees or higher.
Do not use big appliances or charge electric vehicles.
Turn off any extraneous lights
‘Tonight, electricity consumption is now predicted at more than 52,000 megawatts (MW), a new historic all-time record for the grid,’ the business added.
Grid conditions are likely to worsen as the state experiences the hottest day of this lengthy, record-breaking heat wave.
‘If necessary, ISO could require utilities to begin rotating power outages to ensure the electric grid’s stability.
In such a case, consumers should anticipate communications from their utilities informing them of outage locations and durations via phone, text message, or email.
In an appeal to the inhabitants of his state, Newsom urged them to adhere to ‘flex alerts’ and minimize wasteful energy consumption during peak hours.
“Californians have stepped up in a huge manner throughout this record-breaking heat wave,” he added, “but with the worst temperatures now, the potential of power disruptions is real.”
To alleviate the enormous load on the grid, we must all intensify our energy-saving efforts.
Individuals, businesses, the state, and energy producers must all contribute in the coming days for California to continue meeting this challenge.
Approximately a third of the state’s power demand was met by solar power as of late Tuesday morning. This drop will occur overnight.
Residents were instructed to lower their thermostats to as low as 72 degrees before 4 p.m.
They were instructed to operate their washing machines, dishwashers, and electric automobiles.
They were also instructed to close shades and drapes to reduce the temperature.
Californians should raise their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher between 4 and 9 p.m., turn off superfluous lights, and refrain from using appliances and charging electric vehicles.
California is suffering a record-breaking heatwave. This will be the warmest and longest September on record,’ Newsom tweeted.
Our electricity grid is operating at maximum capacity. There is a chance of outages.
After 4 p.m. today, everyone must double down on energy conservation efforts.
Katie Porter, a congressman who represents the Irvine region south of Los Angeles, wrote, ‘Flex alerts are stressful, but we must all do our share to conserve energy.
My children are delighted to put off activities such as laundry and emptying the dishwasher until tomorrow!
A heat advisory is in effect through Friday evening, and temperatures are forecast to fall during the weekend.