UPDATED: Heat Wave Sparks Flex Alert

EDITOR'S NOTE: Updated to include news that this weekend's Flex Alert is cancelled. This story was originally published Aug. 9, 2012.

With temperatures still registering on the too-hot-for-comfort scale, residents are encouraged to close the curtains and turn off air conditioners as much as possible this weekend in order to help avoid rotating power outages.

On Thursday the California Independent System Operator issued the Flex Alert because of the current heat wave. The alert is the first step in reducing the demands on the electricity system to avoid the potential for rotating outages. Officials say the alert was sparked by the heat wave smothering Southern California and in part to with the .

With temperatures continuing to climb, The California Independent System Operator has issued a Flex Alert effective 9 a.m. Friday, that will continue through 6 p.m. this evening.

Erin Johnson of ISO told Patch Friday afternoon that as a result of people effectively conserving energy, the alert for Saturday and Sunday had been cancelled.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for several cities around Los Angeles County, and Orange County continues to heat up too with highs in the mid to upper 90s expected to continue inland through Sunday.

Temperatures reached the upper 80s on Thursday in San Juan Capistrano, and the forecast calls for more hot weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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