06/18/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/18/2021 16:45
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Contact: PG&E External Communications (415) 973-5930
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - With continuing triple-digit heat forecast for today (Friday, June 18), the state's grid operator has called for afternoon and evening energy conservation throughout California as one way to help the supply of power stay ahead of demand.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has issued the Flex Alert for today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The grid operator forecasts an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, due to the heat wave.
This statewide Flex Alert asks everyone to work together and conserve to protect California's grid. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for many regions within PG&E's service area.
Here are ways for customers to reduce energy use during the day:
And, during the critical hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., customers are asked to:
PG&E's Demand Response programs offer incentives for business owners and residential customers who curtail their energy use during times of peak demand. PG&E has several of these programs. About 261,000 PG&E customers are enrolled in one of these Demand Response programs. PG&E's website includes detailed information on these programs, which allow residential customers and business customers to save energy and money.
PG&E's in-house meteorologists say the heat wave will linger across California's interior today and Saturday, with decreasing temperatures Sunday into next week. Temperatures are still expected to top out at around 105 to 112 degrees across the Central Valley, with 90s for intermediate and inland Bay Area valleys.
PG&E also urges customers to stay safe during this heat wave. The company funds cooling centers throughout its service area to help customers escape the heat and cool off. Find a center near you or call 1-877-474-3266.
PG&E does not project a need for a Public Safety Power Shutoff due to this weather, but conditions will be continuously monitored.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.