LOS ANGELES (August 17, 2022) –The California Independent System Operator (CAL- ISO) has issued a Flex Alert today, calling on all Californians to reduce their energy use from 4pm to 9pm. A Flex Alert is a call for voluntary electricity conservation during peak hours of energy use to lessen the strain on the state’s grid. CAL-ISO issued the Flex Alert due to predicted high temperatures in parts of the state that are expected to push up energy demand, primarily from air conditioning units, and strain available power supplies on the state grid.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) joins CAL-ISO in urging LADWP customers to conserve energy to help reduce energy demand.
LADWP has adequate supply to meet customer demand and emergency reserves within the City of Los Angeles at this time, but notes that conservation in Los Angeles can help to meet the energy needs in other parts of the state experiencing much higher temperatures and electricity supply constraints.
In order to help lessen the stress on neighborhood electrical infrastructure that is stressed by higher electricity demand during heat waves, and to help out the state grid, LADWP recommends the following tips to save energy:
- Reduce energy use during the afternoon/early evening hours from 4pm to 9pm when energy use is highest.
- Adjust air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work the hardest to cool. If you are away from your home, turn your air conditioning systems off.
- Limit use of major appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and dishwashers between 4pm to 9 pm.
- Ventilate the home in the early morning and evening by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate. Close window curtains, shades, or blinds during warmer hours to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight coming through windows.
- Turn off lights and other electrical equipment when they are not in use.
- Unplug “energy vampires” like cell phone and computer chargers, and other appliances that use energy even when not in use.
- Avoid using the stove and range if possible, which can help to keep temperatures down indoors.
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