Stubborn Heat Triggers Another Statewide Flex Alert

The sweltering heat blanketing the Southland has prompted the California Independent System Operator to issue another Flex Alert in order to help conserve energy.

The Flex Alert is in effect on Tuesday and is the second issued in less than a week. Conservation is critical during 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The ISO issued a Flex Alert on Thursday which was originally intended to remain in effect throughout the weekend, but was cancelled Friday evening. ISO reported the nearly 1,000 megawatts in energy reduction helped maintain grid reliability. The level of conservation during last week's Flex Alert was equal to the output of two large power plants, according to the ISO.

A Flex Alert is the first step in reducing the demands on the electricity system to avoid the potential for rotating outages. Officials say the Flex Alerts were triggered by the persistent heat in Southern California and in part to with the .

Tuesday's Orange County forecast calls for sunny skies with highs in the mid 90s inland and highs in the 70s near the coast, the National Weather Service reported.

Here's how you can help conserve some energy:

• Set your thermostat to 78 or higher, and turn it off when you are not home
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Use major appliances after 6 p.m.
• Cool with fans and close the curtains to help keep the heat out
• Turn off the computer monitor when you're away from your desk
• Turn off lights when you leave the room
• Switch off half the overhead lights