Crime & Safety

Manhattan Beach May Lose Power; Stage 2 Emergency Alert Issued

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has added a Stage 2 Emergency Alert to the Flex Alert it had previously issued.

Some streets in Manhattan Beach may lose power if a Stage 3 Emergency Alert is called.
Some streets in Manhattan Beach may lose power if a Stage 3 Emergency Alert is called. (Liz Spear | Manhattan Beach Patch)

PREVIOUSLY: Manhattan Beach Mayor Defines City Area Where Power Could Go Out

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has declared a statewide Stage 2 Emergency for Tuesday, August 18, and is urgently appealing to consumers to conserve energy immediately to avert or limit power outages today.

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

If system conditions do not improve, the ISO will declare a Stage 3 Emergency, including rotating power outages. The ISO is working closely with utilities and neighboring power systems to manage the strain on the grid and to limit any potential power disruptions.

The ISO also called a Flex Alert, a voluntary call to consumers to conserve electricity, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. today through Wednesday, August 19. Consumers are urged during those times to set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turn off unnecessary lights, and defer use of major appliances.

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

These conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply. Reduced energy use during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including the incidence of rotating power outages.

The ISO also issued a warning earlier today that encouraged energy resources to participate in the ISO market and allowed the grid operator to request utilities implement demand response programs to reduce residential and business electricity use.

This news releases is from the California Independent System Operator (ISO).

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