California power grid declares Flex Alert for Wednesday, asks for electricity conservation

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The manager of California's power grid has issued a statewide Flex Alert for Wednesday, asking residents and businesses to cut back on power usage to prevent strain on the system.

The California Independent System Operator is calling on Californians to save power between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

In a statement, California ISO said:

"With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state tomorrow, 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."



During the hours that a Flex Alert is in effect, consumers are strongly encouraged to take these specific actions:

• Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if your health permits
• Avoid using major appliances, like dish washers and clothes washers and dryers
• Turn off all unnecessary lights

Consumers are also encouraged to use fans for cooling and unplug unused electrical items.

In the hours before a Flex Alert takes effect, consumers are encouraged to take the following seven steps, which help people be more comfortable when cutting back on their electricity usage:

Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat to 72 degrees

If you need to use your major appliances, do it earlier in the day, when solar energy is abundant

Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool

Take advantage of the solar energy to charge electronic devices

Charge electric vehicles early in the day

Set pool pumps to run early in the morning

Turn off unnecessary lights

VIDEO: What's a Flex Alert?