Topline
California’s electrical grid operator issued an urgent warning asking residents to conserve energy Tuesday, raising its energy alert status to its highest level before moving to rolling blackouts as much of the state bakes in 100+ degree temperatures.
The sun shines behind electrical power lines during a heat wave in Hawthorne, California, on … [+]
Key Facts
The California Independent System Operator issued a level two grid emergency Tuesday afternoon, which will be in effect from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time.
The alert urges conservation since “all available resources” for power generation are forecast to be in use during that time due to energy demand likely setting a new record.
Residents have been urged to raise their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher during peak demand, avoid using heavy appliances and refrain from charging electric vehicles.
Key Background
Tuesday is expected to be the peak of a heat wave that gripped the state over Labor Day weekend. Some cities experienced all-time record highs, including Bay Area cities Livermore and Fairfield, which both hit 116 degrees—the highest temperature ever recorded in the region. The Sacramento area could be next to set all-time records, with the mercury expected to soar near 115 degrees Tuesday afternoon. California’s power woes have been exacerbated by its recent transition to rely more heavily on solar power, which tapers off generating electricity in the evening, and an ongoing drought that is believed to be the state’s worst in 1,200 years. The drought has stymied the state’s ability to generate power through hydroelectric systems.
What To Watch For
Welcome relief could come by the end of the week as Hurricane Kay moves along the west coast of Mexico. The hurricane is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it meanders off the coast of southern California and northwestern Mexico, but it will still push moisture into the southwestern U.S., bringing cooling rains to California. It is not expected to have significant impacts on the U.S. apart from bringing moisture.
Further Reading
Labor Day Heat Wave: These Are The Key Record-Breaking Temperatures For Summer 2022 (Forbes)
Blackouts possible at height of California’s heat wave Tuesday as grid struggles with record usage (Sacramento Bee)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/09/06/california-raises-energy-alert-to-highest-level-warning-of-rolling-blackouts-due-to-historic-heat-wave/