Flex Alert issued for Today, Wednesday, September 7

Tuesday's demand of 52,000,601 megawatts was a new all-time high

With high temperatures in the forecast and record-high demand for electricity predicted, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, today, Wednesday Sept 7th to help stabilize the state’s electric grid and deal with uncertainty created by the extraordinary conditions.

Due to the historic demand on the power grid, California residents are being asked to conserve energy again on September 7th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This is another statewide Flex Alert issued by the California Independent System Operator after an Energy Emergency Alert 3 on Tuesday. The state ISO says that Tuesday's demand of 52,000,601 megawatts is a new all-time high.

During a Flex Alert, Californians are strongly urged to lower electricity use by setting thermostats to 78 or higher, health permitting, avoid using major appliances, and turning off all unnecessary lights. Energy reduction during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are also encouraged to
pre-cool their homes and use major appliances before 4 p.m., when solar energy is
typically abundant.

The City wants to remind the public that the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Ave) is available as a Cooling Center during their regular operating hours. Hours of operation are:

- Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7pm
- Friday & Saturday 10am-5:30pm
- Sunday 1pm-5pm

For information on Flex Alerts, and to find more electricity conservation tips, visit
FlexAlert.org.