Rolling Blackouts Possible Friday 6 To 9 PM

CALIFORNIA — Residents and businesses across California are under threat of rolling blackouts again Friday as the agency that oversees California's power grid has declared a Flex Alert.

Friday's alert tuns from 6 to 9 p.m., two hours shorter than Thursday's.

Measures taken by utilities and consumers were sufficient to avoid blackouts on Thursday, as the peak usage is far below the available electricity.

The California Independent System Operator is again asking consumers to conserve electricity as California and other western states roast in triple digit temperatures. On Thursday, an estimated 40 million Americans were subjected to temperatures of 100 degrees or higher.

Before the alert starts on Friday, Cal ISO recommends:

• Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
• Use major appliances, like your dishwasher, and clothes washer and dryer
• Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
• Charge electronic devices
• Charge electric vehicles

During the evening Flex Alert:

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
• Avoid the use of major appliances
• Turn off all unnecessary lights
• Use fans for cooling
• Unplug unused items

The Flex Alerts also restrict maintenance operations by utilities, which means that more electricity is generated for use. Gov. Gavin Newsom also signed an emergency declaration that allows power companies to generate more electricity.

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