U.S. Heatwave: California to experience blackout
California stands to face power outages as the state braces for higher temperatures in the ongoing heat wave in some parts of the United States.
On Tuesday, State energy officials said the electrical load Tuesday afternoon could top the highest demand the state has ever seen.
Elliot Mainzer, president of California Independent System Operators (CAISO), forecasts record levels of energy use across the state.
Though the state has additional energy capacity at the moment, Mr Mainzer said, “blackouts, rolling, rotating outages are a possibility.”
At the time of filing this report, California’s grid stands at 59,369 megawatts, and its current demand starts at 46,853 megawatts. The grid’s forecasted peak starts at 52,458 megawatts.
On Monday, CAISO requested that four temporary emergency power generators deployed by the Department of Water Resources in Roseville and Yuba City be activated for the first time since they were installed last year, providing up to 120 megawatts, enough electricity for 120,000 homes.
CAISO also issued a Flex Alert call for voluntary conservation between 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Consumers have been urged to keep air conditioners at 78 degrees (25.5 degrees C) or higher and avoid using major appliances such as ovens and dishwashers.
“We have now entered the most intense phase of this heat wave,” Mr Mainzer said.
CAISO also issued a Stage 2 Energy Emergency Alert. The second emergency alert stage involves taking emergency energy-saving measures “such as tapping backup generators, buying more power from other states and using so-called demand response programs,” according to its website.
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