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.

Suggested time of conservation and recommended thermostat settings were also given out for residents to heed. The move was in response to the increasing demand on the power grid at this critical time because of the upcoming heatwave.

California ISO Issues FLEX Alert to Conserve Electricity Amid Heatwave

In a press release, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) urged residents to voluntarily conserve electricity during critical times to avoid having power outages brought about by the heatwave.

"The power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand," the statement reads.

The California ISO encouraged residents to save up electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., a particular time wherein the power grid is "most stressed" due to an uptick in demand and less solar energy. More so, thermostats were suggested to be set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher if health permits.

When a FLEX Alert has been issued, reducing energy consumption in vulnerable areas could help the power grid stabilize its power when supply conditions are tight. This conservation technique could prevent California from suffering emergency measures, including disastrous power outages.

READ NEXT: California Wind Energy the Next Big Thing? Gavin Newsom Details New Plans as Air Pollution Board Draws Flak

Heatwave Expected in Parts of California, Warning Says

According to CNN, the National Weather Services has released heat advisories affecting California's interior parts. The advisories were placed from Bakersfield up to the California-Oregon line.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Services reported that high temperatures could hit 108 degrees in Redding, 106 degrees in Fresno and Bakersfield, while Sacramento will reach 103 degrees.

High risks of heat-related illness could likely occur in the mentioned areas, especially without proper cooling and adequate hydration. Coastal areas will be at ease in the coming days as residents could expect cooler temperatures.

San Francisco will only be hitting around 70 degrees, while Los Angeles and San Diego could expect the low 80 degrees. The state's drought also plays a major factor in the power grid imbalance and heatwave.

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that the state was suffering drought intensities, with more than 45% of it experiencing two of the most extreme drought categories.

Because of the drought, rivers and reservoirs in California had gone "perilously low," Bloomberg reported. It has significant implications because California generates 10% of its electricity from hydroelectric dams.

Earlier this week, the U.S. government warned that there would be more drastic cuts in water consumption to protect further the shrinking supplies available in the reservoirs responsible for keeping seven western states afloat.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ivan Korrs

WATCH: California Issues Flex Alert, Calls for Energy Conservation to Prevent Outages - From KTLA 5