Strain on the state’s electrical system has prompted the California Independent System Operator to issue a Flex Alert for 4-9 p.m. Monday.
Officials said the alert is needed to stabilize the state’s electric grid because of the impact of the Bootleg Fire in Klamath County, Oregon, on electric transmission lines and the continuing heat wave across the western United States.
During the Flex Alert, California electricity consumers are asked to set their thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits; avoid using major appliances; turn off unnecessary lights; use fans for cooling; and unplug unused electronics.
Similar Flex Alerts were issued for Friday and Saturday, but no Flex Alert was in effect on Sunday.
Great KQED discussion with Gray Davis, Loretta Lynch, et al about the 1998 beginning of the de-regulation and manipulation of the California and wider energy market. Worth a listen at their web site.
20 Years After Enron and Rolling Blackouts, What Have We Learned?
https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101884358/20-years-after-enron-and-rolling-blackouts-what-have-we-learned
connected to what is happening today and what could lead to a better future
A generator will take one only so far.
Postponing the charging of one electric vehicle to start after 9 pm (e.g. postponing 4,000 Watts) can provide the same power relief as unplugging 200 unused electronics devices (200 X 20 Watts each). Charging EVs in all hours between 10 pm and 3 PM every day keeps the grid running clean. The very best hours for the grid are 9AM to 3 PM every day to soak up all that solar power.