(Reuters) – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) told customers on Wednesday to be prepared to conserve energy as forecasts of extreme heat this week will increase energy demand and could put pressure on the power grid.
The power grid is currently stable, California’s ISO said, but events that last for days could overload generators and cause outages. The grid operator expects higher electricity demand on Wednesday and Thursday, with Thursday being the hottest day this week.
“If weather or grid conditions deteriorate, the ISO may issue a series of emergency notifications to access additional resources and prepare market participants and the public for potential energy shortages,” the ISO said.
It said it could also issue a Flex (NASDAQ:) Alert, urging consumers to voluntarily reduce electricity use on certain days between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
