An excessive heat warning here in the Coachella Valley and a heat wave throughout the state is causing the California Independent System Operator (ISO) to issue a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation through Wednesday. The Flex Alerts are in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Residents should attempt to conserve power where they can; otherwise, we face the likelihood of rolling blackouts in the late afternoons and evenings as electrical production cannot meet the demands during the hottest times of the day.
The following are ways you can help to conserve energy and prevent the outages:
Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:
- Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
- Defer use of major appliances.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Unplug unused electrical devices.
- Close blinds and drapes.
- Use fans when possible.
- Limit time the refrigerator door is open.
Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:
- “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees.
- Charge electric vehicles.
- Charge mobile devices and laptops.
- Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
- Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website at http://www.flexalert.org
Follow grid conditions in real time at ISO’s Outlook at http://www.caiso.com/TodaysOutlook/Pages/default.aspx
Anyone seeking a cool place to stay overnight, can go to the Elks Lodge located at 67491 E. Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City between 4:00 pm and 7:00 am every day. Check-in occurs at 4:00 pm and you must be in line as close to 4:00 pm as possible. The first 35 people will be welcomed. Bags will be checked-in, each person must shower and be screened for COVID-19. Additionally, each person will be offered a bed, a meal along with cold water, and the ability to pick an outfit from donated clothing.
For more information about this Nighttime Cooling Center in Cathedral City, contact Mark at CVRM by dialing (760) 347-3512.
