Amid 100 Degree Heat, Flex Alert Issued In Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA — With above-normal temperatures expected in the Bay Area and other parts of the state, a statewide Flex Alert will be in effect from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, urging residents to voluntarily cut back on power use to avoid strain on California's electrical grid.

The Flex Alert was issued by the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's power grid.

During the Flex Alert, consumers are asked to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, and take other voluntary measures, including avoiding the use of major appliances, unnecessary lights, and electric vehicle charging.

Cal-ISO recommended that residents take steps before the Flex Alert takes effect, such as pre-cooling homes to 72 degrees and closing blinds and drapes.

"With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state (Wednesday), the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand," according to a statement from Cal-ISO.

PG&E recommends that before the Flex Alert:

• Charge all devices including cell phones, laptops, tablets.
• Run the dishwasher and do laundry in advance.

Temperatures in interior portions of the Bay Area are expected to approach highs of 100 degrees according to AccuWeather. Parts of the Central Valley are expected to be above 105 degrees.

Several cities and towns are opening cooling centers on Wednesday at libraries, community centers and senior centers.

City News Service contributed to this article.