Next week, Southern California is bracing for a spike in temperatures that could challenge its power grid, as residents will likely be cranking up their air conditioning to cope with the heat.
As electricity demand is projected to rise, utility companies are urging customers to minimize their energy use when they can to help alleviate the strain on the grid and reduce the chances of power outages.
Mark Toney, the executive director of The Utility Reform Network, pointed out that California isn’t adequately enhancing the grid’s capacity. He believes there’s a pressing need for more investment in clean energy production and storage solutions.
Toney highlighted a recent policy decision that he thinks illustrates California’s shortcomings. On September 30, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 1813, a bill by Assemblymember Christopher Ward aimed at creating a renewable energy subscription program to broaden access to community solar projects. This bill had the support of The Utility Reform Network.
“Community solar and storage represents a practical way to boost clean energy output, so this is a clear example of what the state could implement,” Toney noted.
During heat waves, solar power becomes especially vital, providing energy during the day and charging batteries for later use, according to Toney. “It’s simpler to manage a sunny day when there’s lots of solar energy available, and those batteries can be tapped into as the evening approaches,” he explained.
Toney also mentioned that private investments could have potentially funded the community solar projects that the vetoed bill proposed. “This showcases the potential pathways the state could take to enhance clean energy and storage options,” he remarked.
Additionally, he suggested that California should put more money into geothermal energy. “It makes sense to invest in geothermal, which is a sustainable energy source available around the clock. I believe the state needs to enhance storage capacity and minimize reliance on fossil fuels,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged that cost remains a significant hurdle for many Californians when it comes to electricity bills. “The state needs to do more to tackle the affordability crisis since bills are just too high,” he said.
Currently, the California Independent System Operator, or Cal-ISO, has issued a notice for “Restricted Maintenance Operations” on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This is to ensure that power suppliers avoid actions that could compromise generator or transmission availability.
Despite these concerns, Cal-ISO mentioned that California should have sufficient electricity to handle the expected demand. “We don’t anticipate any supply shortfalls at the moment, but we want to get consumers ready in case we need to issue a Flex Alert,” said Cal-ISO in a statement noted by NBC LA. “We’ll keep monitoring the demand and supply forecasts and will share updates as needed.”
Flex Alerts encourage voluntary conservation among residents when demand might exceed supply. If the situation worsens, more serious alerts could be issued, leading to potential rolling blackouts in extreme circumstances.
Southern California Edison also cautioned its customers on Friday that the ongoing heat wave could intensify pressure on the electrical system. They assured that they are “closely monitoring the electric grid” for any potential spikes in demand.
“We utilize all available resources to maintain reliable service,” SCE stated, noting that extreme heat often boosts energy consumption, which could raise the likelihood of temporary outages.
Customers are being advised to prepare by charging devices ahead of time, reviewing emergency plans, and ensuring that crucial equipment has backup power options whenever possible.
SCE is particularly urging residents to cut back on electricity usage from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., recommending avoiding major appliances around that time.
“We encourage customers to start preparing for potential outages and increased energy demand,” the utility emphasized, suggesting they charge mobile devices and revisit emergency protocols.
Other utilities, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, recommend setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher during peak hours and avoiding high-demand appliances when electricity usage surges.
For those having trouble staying cool, officials advise checking out nearby cooling centers as an alternative to relying solely on home air conditioning.
The California Post has reached out to Governor Gavin Newsom for input on measures being taken to improve the state’s power grid capacity but has yet to receive a response.
