Wildfires cause California's operators to call for conserving electricity

Amidst the record-breaking temperatures, the Bootleg wildfire in Oregon knocked out transmission lines that carry electricity into California. This reduced the power supply as much as 3,500 megawatts, the California Independent System Operator said.

California power regulators had to issue a flex alert from 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday to the residents to reduce stress on the grid — particularly as continuing high temperatures increased the demand. A Flex Alert is a call to consumers to voluntarily cut back on electricity and shift their electricity use to off-peak hours (normally after 9 p.m.).

During a Flex Alert, residents are advised to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances and turn off all unnecessary lights and items that use power. The flex alert was called off by the authorities on Monday by 9pm. The independent system operator tweeted on Monday: “California, you kept electricity flowing! Thank you, your conservation efforts helped keep the power grid stable. #FlexAlert has concluded.” Conserving resources is not a one time event but an everyday choice that implies a change in all aspects of life.

It depends upon the willingness of the people to change their perceptions of the environmental conditions around them, and the readiness to alter their present use of resources.

By opting for FORCE you can instantly make a choice to reduce your electricity consumption from 10-20%. Let's save our grid together!