California Warns Possible Power Outage Amid Searing Heatwave, Urges Households to Conserve Energy
The California Independent System Operator has issued a FLEX Alert, a call for voluntary energy conservation because of the anticipated three-digit temperature to hit parts of the state. Photo by Pok Rie from Pexels

The Northwest utilities revealed that the region had a higher power consumption during summer compared to winter, but Portland General Electric (PGE) stated that their power grid is prepared and there will be no planned blackouts.

No Blackouts in Northwest

Due to the potential record-setting heat wave approaching, Northwest residents were concerned if they will be having enough electricity to survive the heat but Portland General Electric assured them that there will be no power outage.

According to KGW8, PGE spokesperson, Andrea Platt, stated that there would be enough power. Platt mentioned they have not found any indication that it will become an issue for them.

Moreover, Platt shared that they were monitoring closely the issue. So far, based on her statement they do not see any issue in continuing to serve their customers. PGE currently serves 900,000 customers located in the greater Portland area.

Meanwhile, Pacific Power, another electric company that serves around 650,000 customers, mentioned that they were ready. Spokesman Drew Hanson confirmed that the utility is ready for the upcoming surge in power consumption.

In addition, Hanson stated that heatwaves were something that Pacific Power prepares for every year and it is not new for them. The spokesperson also mentioned that because of their preparedness they were not anticipating any interruptions in their power supply because of the heat waves.

Also, Hanson pointed out that Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp. It means that the utility could get extra electricity from other utilities located in 10 different states.

Last October, PGE shut down its plant in Boardman, Oregon that converts coal into electricity. The said move was lauded by environmentalists in the state.

Considering 'Not Too Comfortable'

The Boardman, Oregon plant shutdown took out a reliable source of electricity from Portland General Electric as it could supply half a million homes. Currently, to make up for the difference, the company is buying more hydropower.

Furthermore, Platt shared that if PGE will be facing shortages in the upcoming days, it is ready to tap into the backup generators of big companies that are part of a plan. Platt stated that they will make sure that they've got all resources on standby which includes their dispatchable generation resources.

PGE's spokesperson also said that they also worked with their large customers and institutions to potentially tap their generators if they will be needing additional power to the grid.

Platt also reminded everyone regarding power usage. She mentioned to consumers that there are house chores that could be done at night. Platt said that doing things at night and doing small changes will not only lower the power bill for not using cooling appliances but also have the chance to enjoy the cool nighttime air.

PGE also offered a power-saving program that involves what was known in the industry as 'demand-response.' The program focused on asking customers if they would allow the utility to control their smart thermostat. If granted, the company can then increase the temperature in the home during the hottest part of the day which lowers the need for power across the system.

Platt also reminded consumers to have backup sources, especially those individuals with a medical condition that can be affected by heat, KPTV reported.

Both utilities recommended to their consumers that they keep their thermostat at 78 when they were at home and turn it up to about 85 when will be leaving, KOIN reported.

WATCH: Preparing for summer safety outages -from
Portland General Electric