No Rolling Blackouts Monday Night, PG&E Says

BAY AREA, CA — Pacific Gas and Electric Company said Monday night that based on forecasts for electricity supply and demand, the state’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator — CAISO — notified PG&E that the utility did not need to roll out power outages Monday night.

The news came after PG&E customers in portions of 42 counties were notified earlier Monday via automated calls about the potential outages.

"PG&E has been on standby throughout the day, opening its Emergency Operations Center to be ready to execute potential rotating outages at the request of the CAISO," PG&E's North Bay Spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.

"PG&E teams will continue to coordinate with the CAISO as the heatwave extends through Thursday. The CAISO oversees the larger power grid and balances energy demand with supply," Contreras said.

Electricity Conservation Is Key Through Thursday, PG&E Says

Monday, PG&E customers—including homeowners, small and medium businesses, large industrial businesses and agriculture businesses—all came together to conserve electricity and help avoid the need for rotating outages.

With the heat wave expected to continue through Thursday night, PG&E "strongly encourages all customers to continue conserving to reduce the overall demand for power."

"Our customers of all sizes stepped up big time today to conserve electricity and reduce the strain on the state’s electric grid," said Laurie Giammona, senior vice president and chief customer officer for PG&E. "We are tremendously grateful for their efforts—which were very effective in avoiding rotating outages throughout the state. We strongly urge our customers to keep up the conservation through Thursday. We appreciate your support and patience as we work to get through this heatwave together."

Excessive Heat Warning

A National Weather Service excessive heat warning is in effect through Wednesday night for the North Bay Interior Valleys, San Francisco Bay Shoreline, Santa Cruz Mountainns, Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley — including the cities of Santa Rosa, South Santa Rosa, Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato, Rohnert Park, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Daly City, Berkeley, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Day Valley and Salinas.

The warning is for "dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 103," the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area said. "A long duration heat wave will continue to impact the region through Wednesday, and possibly beyond. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

PG&E Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Usage

Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.

Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.

Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the home.

Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.

Limit the opening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.

Clean clothes and dishes early: Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10 pm.

PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool

Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.

Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.

Have a buddy system: Check in on elderly or people with access and function needs.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty.

Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.

Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.