California Utilities Urge Power Conservation Amidst Heatwave Concerns

Southern California's power grid faces potential strain as a heatwave is forecast to persist into mid-October, prompting utilities to urge customers to conserve electricity. The anticipated surge in air conditioning use could test the state's energy infrastructure, increasing the risk of power outages.

Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, expressed concern that California is not adequately increasing its grid capacity, suggesting greater investment in clean energy generation and storage. He highlighted that solar power, crucial for charging batteries that store energy for evening use, is particularly effective on sunny days.

Toney pointed to Governor Gavin Newsom's Sept. 30 veto of AB 1813, a bill that would have established a customer renewable energy subscription program to expand access to community renewable energy projects. The Utility Reform Network had supported this legislation, which Toney believes could have provided a pathway for increasing clean energy generation through community solar and storage.

"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, adding that private funding could have been utilized for community solar arrays under the proposed bill. He also advocated for increased investment in geothermal energy, which offers 24/7 clean power, and for greater efforts to reduce fossil fuels.

Despite these concerns, Toney also emphasized the ongoing affordability crisis for California electricity customers, stating that bills remain too high. "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.

The California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO) has issued a "Restricted Maintenance Operations" notice for Monday and Tuesday, asking power suppliers to prevent actions that could jeopardize generator or transmission availability. However, Cal-ISO stated it is not forecasting any supply shortfalls at this time but issued the notice to prepare consumers for a potential "Flex Alert."

A Flex Alert is a voluntary call for conservation when demand may exceed available power. In more severe situations, higher emergency alerts can be issued, potentially leading to rolling blackouts.

Southern California Edison (SCE) also warned customers of the potential for increased pressure on the electrical system due to the prolonged heat. The utility is monitoring the grid and preparing for higher energy use, advising customers to charge devices, review emergency plans, and ensure backup power for essential equipment. SCE specifically asked residents to reduce electricity use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. by avoiding the use of major appliances during those peak hours.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recommended similar measures, including setting thermostats to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and avoiding energy-intensive appliances during high-demand periods. LADWP also suggested utilizing local cooling centers as an alternative to relying solely on home air conditioning.