Due to excessive heat and exceptionally high energy demand, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) may again order SDG&E and the other utilities across the state to implement rotating outages over the next few days.
If customer conservation measures are not sufficient to reduce strain on the grid, there is a potential that widespread rotating outages would occur throughout the state. There is also high likelihood that customers who were impacted by the rotating outages on Friday and Saturday could again be impacted. The outages could last about an hour.
The heatwave is forecasted to continue through Thursday, and CAISO is anticipating a significant shortfall in energy supply needed to meet the exceptionally high energy demand.
Communities located in High Fire Threat Districts that are subject to Public Safety Power Shutoffs are excluded from rotating outages, as are certain critical facilities, such as hospitals, police and fire stations.
For ongoing updates, follow SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE) or visit sdgenews.com.
Energy Conservation Urgently Needed
Energy conservation remains critically important to help avoid the need for rotating outages, as well as the duration of outages and the number of customers affected. Everyone is urged to do their part to cut back on energy use during this critical time.
Conservation Tips
Health and safety permitting, here are some actions to take to save energy:
- Set your air conditioner thermostat a few degrees higher (ideally at 78 degrees or higher) and pre-cool your home before 4 p.m. If possible, turn off the AC during a power emergency
- Use large appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Reduce or defer the use of pool pumps
- Keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed
- Switch off all unnecessary lighting (for businesses, turn off advertising signs and display/flood/decorative lighting)
- Defer or reduce all non-essential use of commercial and industrial equipment, such as boilers, exhaust fans, reproduction equipment, maintenance and repair equipment, dispensing machines, intercoms, cleaning equipment, circulating pumps and electric chargers.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.
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