The California electric grid operator has asked people to save energy for the sixth consecutive day as the state suffocates in record temperatures.
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) said continued blackouts could occur in the state if the “flexible alert” guidance is not followed.
During a flexible notice, consumers are asked to reduce their energy consumption in the afternoon and evening hours, when the grid is most stressed due to high demand.
People were asked to use less power between 4pm and 10pm local time on Monday (midnight and 6am UK time on Tuesday) according to the latest warning.
California ISO had previously asked people to use less energy between 4pm and 9pm local time on Saturdays and Sundays, as demand has increased and temperatures are still rising.
People are encouraged to save energy during flexible alert periods by setting their thermostats to 78F (25C) or higher, not using major appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and turning off unnecessary lights.
Speaking at a press conference where notices were announced for Saturday and Sunday, California ISO President Elliot Mainzer said, “When we’re in a situation like this, where we’re right against the system’s headroom and you have the kind of reliability threats from fires and power plants going down, that flexible consumer demand, that answer, can make the difference between the lights on or not. “
The latest alarm comes after multiple generators were forced out of service due to extreme temperatures in the state, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Meanwhile, the California ISO has warned that ongoing fires and potential new fires could further strain the power grid by crippling lines and additional generators.
“Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in particular are expected to be the most difficult of this heat wave,” the agency said in a press release.
The National Weather Service has warned that temperatures in California could reach 46 ° C by the middle of the week.
It comes after the city of San Diego, Southern California choked on Saturday with a record temperature of 95F (35C).
Meanwhile, firefighters in Siskiyou County, Northern California are fighting a fire that has killed two people and evacuated thousands from their homes.
