Conserve Energy to Help Prevent Power Outages

Published September 1, 2022 

With record-high temperatures expected to continue across California at least through September 9, limit your energy use to reduce stress on the state’s electric grid and avoid power outages.

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the organization that manages the grid, has issued statewide “Flex Alerts” daily over the past week asking all Californians to conserve energy between 4pm and 9pm. CAISO has warned that additional Flex Alerts will likely be issued through the coming week due to extreme heat forecast across the state.

Conserving energy during a Flex Alert helps stabilize the grid and avoid rolling power outages. During the Flex Alert:

• Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher. When you’re not at home, turn thermostats to 85 degrees.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool.
• Don’t turn on your oven.
• Use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool, even if you have air conditioning. Keeping a ceiling fan running allows you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.
• Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room.
• Limit use of energy-intensive appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak hours. Clean clothes and dishes early in the morning or after 10pm at night.
• Do not charge electric vehicles between 4pm and 9pm.

Prepare for possible outages by fully charging your essential devices and backup power sources. Check your emergency supplies to confirm you have flashlights and batteries for everyone in the household, and make a paper list of emergency contacts.