The California Independent System Operator has extended its Flex Alert for a second day due to high heat and increased energy demand.
The Flex Alert is in effect from 4 to 9 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday.
In Contra Costa County, people were trying to do their part and beat the heat Wednesday.
A water fountain in Livermore is just what 2-year-old Jeter Dominguez needed. His mom knew to come here to escape the scorching heat and other families had the same idea.
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“It's so hot,” said mother Delilah Arenal. “We had to do something. Keeping the kids locked up in A/C, gotta get them out.”
Bob Dobbin has lived in Danville for 40 years and said those who have lived in the Tri-Valley area aren’t sweating it.
“It’s pretty toasty, this is when you want to live on the other side of the bay, around the ocean,” he said.
Nancy Sachau celebrated her 90th birthday outside for lunch with family and ice cold water and wine.
“Born and raised here, I’m used to the heat,” she said. “I remember hot days, they come and go. Then it cools off, it’s tolerable.”
Before the Flex Alert takes effect, Californians are encouraged to take the following steps to be comfortable and help grid operators balance electricity supply and demand:
- Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
- If you need to use your major appliances, do it before the Flex Alert is in effect,
when solar energy is plentiful - Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
- Charge electronic devices and electric vehicles so there’s no need to do it later, when solar generation is down
When the Flex Alert is in effect, consumers should conserve electricity by turning off unnecessary lights, not using major appliances and setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, especially in the late afternoon and early evening when the grid is most stressed.
