A forecast of extreme heat across Southern California next week could strain the region’s power grid as more residents rely on air conditioning to stay cool.
As electricity demand rises, utilities are urging customers to conserve energy whenever possible. Cutting usage could ease pressure on the system and help limit the possibility of outages.
Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, said California has not moved quickly enough to expand grid capacity. In his view, the state should devote more resources to clean power generation and energy storage.
Toney cited a recent policy decision as one example of what he believes California could have done differently.
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 1813 on Sept. 30. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Christopher Ward, would have established a customer renewable energy subscription program designed to broaden access to community renewable energy projects. The Utility Reform Network supported the measure.
“Community solar and storage is a way to increase clean energy generation, and so that would be an example, a very specific example, of something the state could do,” Toney said.
Solar power becomes especially important during heat waves, Toney said. In addition to supplying electricity during daylight hours, solar generation can charge batteries that provide power after sunset.
“It’s easier on a sunny day when you have abundant solar power in the middle of the day, and you have the batteries charging up that you can deploy when the sun is going down,” Toney said.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
He said the vetoed proposal also could have opened the door to private investment in community solar arrays.
“That would be the kind of example of a direction the state could go to increase more clean energy, clean storage options,” Toney said.
Toney also argued that California should place greater emphasis on geothermal power.
“I think that it makes sense to invest more in geothermal versus energy things like that that are available 24/7. That’s clean energy,” Toney said. “I think the state needs to move forward on increasing storage capacity, in reducing fossil fuels.”
Even with the need for more reliable capacity, Toney said the cost of electricity remains a serious concern for California households.
DON’T MISS: I Lost All My Hair by 23—Here’s How I Got It Back
“I think the state needs to do more in addressing the affordability crisis, that the bills are too high, and that’s something the state needs to do more of,” he said.
Meanwhile, the California Independent System Operator, or Cal-ISO, has issued a “Restricted Maintenance Operations” notice for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The notice tells power suppliers “to avoid taking actions which may jeopardize generator and/or transmission availability.”
Despite the precaution, Cal-ISO said the state is expected to have enough electricity to cover projected demand.
“We are not forecasting any supply shortfalls at this time, but wanted to prepare consumers in the event that we need to call a Flex Alert,” Cal-ISO said in a statement, according to NBC LA. “We will continue to monitor forecasted demand and supply conditions and will provide additional updates as necessary.”
A Flex Alert is a voluntary request for residents to reduce electricity use when Cal-ISO expects demand may exceed available supply. If conditions worsen, the agency can issue more serious emergency alerts, and the most severe situations could lead to rolling blackouts.
Southern California Edison also cautioned customers Friday that the extended heat could place added stress on the electrical system.
The utility said it is “closely monitoring the electric system and preparing for the potential impacts of increased electrical demand.”
“We use every available resource to provide reliable service,” SCE said, according to NBC LA. “Even so, extreme heat can increase energy use and put extra strain on the electric system, which may increase the likelihood of temporary outages.”
The utility is encouraging customers to prepare ahead of time by charging phones and other devices, reviewing emergency plans and ensuring critical equipment has backup power when possible.
SCE is also asking residents to reduce their electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., particularly by avoiding major appliances during those hours.
“We encourage customers to prepare now for possible outages and periods of increased energy use,” the utility said. “Consider charging mobile devices, reviewing emergency plans and making sure any critical equipment has backup power if available.”
Other utilities are offering similar advice. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher during the hottest parts of the day and avoiding appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners when electricity demand is high.
For those struggling to stay cool, officials also recommend visiting a local cooling center instead of relying solely on air conditioning at home.
The California Post reached out to Governor Gavin Newsom for comment on what the state is doing to increase the state’s power grid capacity, but did not immediately hear back.
KEEP READING: Ex-partner of mum found dead on beach denies killing her
