Flex Alert: Tracker shows how close we are to overloading the power grid

it was also this California's power grid operators asking everyone to voluntarily conserve electricity. Calista has issued a flex alert for tomorrow, So flex alert means everyone should reduce our electricity usage from 5 to 10 PM. Callouses says that is the most critical time for the power grid because solar production is ramping down while electricity demand can remain high during extreme heat events. We also reached out to PG and e to ask if they're planning any public safety power shutoffs so far. So right now there are no plans for a public safety power shut off. This is a heat event and heat is always a factor in a public safety power shut off. But we also look at humidity. We look at um conditions on the ground. We look at whether there's dry vegetation, so there's a bunch of different factors that go into calling a P. S. P. S. And this is not a public safety power shut off incident. If there are any outages during the heat, I met their unplanned and it's due to the heat. So here are a couple of ways to conserve energy right now. Pre cool your home set thermostat to 78° or higher if your health permits, that also turn off any unnecessary lights, avoid running large appliances at the same time, make sure your kids do the same thing. That's always a big one, that one and run them in the morning to save money. Also, if you can prepare cool meals or maybe go outside to use the barbecue or try to use small kitchen appliances, don't appliances that don't heat up your home.

As the Central Coast reaches the peak of its heat wave Thursday, Cal ISO has issued a Flex Alert, asking Californians to conserve energy to avoid overloading the grid.Cal ISO, or the California Independent System Operator, oversees the state's power grid and infrastructure. In the afternoon hours on hot days, when most people are running air conditioners and high-energy appliances, power use is highest, putting the most pressure on California's infrastructure.The agency created a real-time tracker that shows how close we are to that tipping point.The available capacity for the state is about 50,000 megawatts. On Thursday, the state is forecasted to peak at 43,331.As of 10 a.m., demand was only around 30,400 megawatts. That number is expected to climb as temperatures heat up.Best ways to save power during a Flex AlertThe whole idea is to voluntarily cutback and conserve. Energy experts say a number of the biggest users of electricity can be found in the kitchen.Among the top five, refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens.These home appliances and others account for about 13-percent of an average home's energy consumption.Elsewhere around the house, ways around energy overuse involve.Turning off unnecessary lightsUsing large appliances like washers and dryers during off-peak hoursClosing blinds and drapes to keep your home coolUsing fans, instead of AC whenever possibleSetting the thermostat to 78-degreesAmanda Del Castillo with KGO news contributed to this report.

SAN FRANCISCO —

As the Central Coast reaches the peak of its heat wave Thursday, Cal ISO has issued a Flex Alert, asking Californians to conserve energy to avoid overloading the grid.

Cal ISO, or the California Independent System Operator, oversees the state's power grid and infrastructure. In the afternoon hours on hot days, when most people are running air conditioners and high-energy appliances, power use is highest, putting the most pressure on California's infrastructure.

The agency created a real-time tracker that shows how close we are to that tipping point.

The available capacity for the state is about 50,000 megawatts. On Thursday, the state is forecasted to peak at 43,331.

As of 10 a.m., demand was only around 30,400 megawatts. That number is expected to climb as temperatures heat up.

Best ways to save power during a Flex Alert

The whole idea is to voluntarily cutback and conserve. Energy experts say a number of the biggest users of electricity can be found in the kitchen.

Among the top five, refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens.

These home appliances and others account for about 13-percent of an average home's energy consumption.

Elsewhere around the house, ways around energy overuse involve.

Turning off unnecessary lights
Using large appliances like washers and dryers during off-peak hours
Closing blinds and drapes to keep your home cool
Using fans, instead of AC whenever possible
Setting the thermostat to 78-degrees

Amanda Del Castillo with KGO news contributed to this report.

Flex Alert: Tracker shows how close we are to overloading the power grid

Best ways to save power during a Flex Alert

Top Picks