The California Independent System Operator could ask people to conserve power when there’s the potential for a short supply of electricity, especially during a summer swelter.
More than a week ago, the California ISO issued a statewide Flex Alert and extended it for a second day, urging people to voluntarily conserve energy during the evening and night hours. The Flex Alert asked people to conserve energy from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 17 and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 18.
A Flex Alert is issued by the state ISO when the electricity grid is under stress because of generator or transmission outages, or from persistent hot temperatures, according to the agency.
The California ISO will declare an alert when there’s going to be a peak energy use consumption concept that may draw down the energy reserves, which could create instability in the system, according to Kelly Hubbard, director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.
People use more power because of the high temperatures, Hubbard said.
“There’s more electrical use because people are inside, instead of outside, so they might have their air on and their lights on … they’re inside instead of being outside because it might be just too hot,” she said.
Typically, an alert is associated with an extreme or high heat event, and it’s often statewide, which could affect Santa Barbara County residents.
However, a Flex Alert is not issued specifically because the National Weather Service has announced an excessive heat warning for areas, Hubbard said.
During a heat warning, that means some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken, according to the NWS. The warning is generally issued between 24 hours and 48 hours in advance of high temperatures or extreme heat conditions that impact life and safety, Hubbard said.
“When they (NWS) issue (excessive heat) watches and warnings,” Hubbard said, “they are looking at multiple days of high heat, with a low likelihood of temperatures going down overnight. It’s not a single day of 100 degrees.”
The California ISO oversees the state’s bulk electric power system, transmission lines, and electricity market generated and transmitted by its member utilities, according to the organization.
During a Flex Alert, the agency will ask the public to voluntarily conserve electricity in an effort to help relieve stress on the state electrical grid because of extreme heat conditions.
During a Flex Alert, the California ISO recommends that people conserve energy by:
» Turning air thermostats to 78 degrees or above, if health permits.
» Avoiding the use of major appliances.
» Turning off unnecessary lights.
» Unplugging unused electrical items.
» Using fans for cooling.
The California ISO recommends that people take steps earlier in the day before a Flex Alert starts:
» Pre-cool the home by adjusting the thermostat.
» Run major appliances, such as a dishwasher or clothes washer and dryer.
» Close window coverings to keep the home or apartment cool.
» Charge electric vehicles.
» Charge electronic devices.
More information about signing up for Flex Alert notifications and additional tips can be found on the California ISO website: Flex Alert.org.
“A good way to prepare for a Flex Alert is to cool off your house in the morning, and have your windows and blinds closed because that helps keep your house cooler,” Hubbard said.
The American Veterinary Medical Association, which represents its member veterinarians, has tips for keeping pets cool amid warm weather.
For pet safety during the heat, the AVMA recommends:
» Providing shade and water to pets.
» Avoiding hot surfaces.
» Using flea, tick and heartworm preventions.
» Not leaving pets in the car.
» Avoiding exercise during the hottest times.
» Knowing the signs of heat stress, and seeking veterinary care.
A Flex Alert is about preventing rotating power outages, which typically last one to two hours, Hubbard said.
“The most important thing is that the community realizes they have the ability to help avoid rotating outages,” she said. “That Flex Alert is saying, ‘There’s a potential for rotating outages. Let’s work together.’”
Rotating power outages are different from public safety power shutoff events. PSPS outages are implemented based on decisions by utility companies. PSPS outages depend on location, and are typically a measure taken during elevated risk of high fire weather.
“Unlike a PSPS, rotating outages will not impact critical infrastructure,” Hubbard said, adding that it’s important to note that a Flex Alert and routine outages aren’t considered an “emergency incident” because they’re “short and brief.”
Because of hot weather, cooling centers frequently open to the public for free. People can escape the heat at the indoor air-conditioned locations.
The county would not expect to set up cooling centers for people because of rotating outages or a Flex Alert, Hubbard said.
“We may consider cooling centers because of the high or extreme heat,” she said.
— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
