Rolling Blackouts May Hit San Ramon Thursday; CA Flex Alert Issued

SAN RAMON, CA — Residents of San Ramon and beyond were asked to cut back on power from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to avoid rolling blackouts across the state.

It is the second day in a row that the California Independent System Operator, which oversees the power grid, issued a flex alert.

Scorching heat was again expected in much of the Golden State and western United States, and some areas could see record-breaking heat, the operator said in a statement.

Californians will likely crank up the air conditioning and increase pressure on the power grid late Thursday afternoon and evening, just in time for solar energy production to drop as the sun sets. Residents are asked to refrain from setting their thermostats to temperatures below 78 degrees during that time.

"Widespread heat waves affecting other western states limits the California ISO’s ability to import energy from neighboring power grids," the operator said.

With above-normal temperatures affecting much of the state & West, & tight energy supply margins in the market, the California ISO has extended #FlexAlert for a second day, tomorrow, Sept. 9, from 4-9 p.m., issuing a call for voluntary energy conservation: https://t.co/ma3iUTiapc pic.twitter.com/adFTzmGX8x
— California ISO (@California_ISO) September 8, 2021

Northern California will likely see temperatures 3 to 10 degrees higher than normal, though the National Weather Service anticipated cooling toward the week's end. Southern California will likely see temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above average, and hotter weather could continue through the weekend, the operator said.

With triple-digit temperatures on the horizon in some areas, the agency decided to call off routine maintenance planned from noon to 9 p.m. to free up all resources in advance of the flex alert.

Wondering how you can most effectively conserve power? Here are some tips from the California Independent System Operator.

Before A Flex Alert In California

• Pre-cool your house. Set the thermostat as low as 72 degrees.
• Use your washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, stove.
• Cover your windows with blinds and drapes.

During A Flex Alert In California

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if possible.
• Avoid using washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, stove.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.