More conservation is needed as peak demand skyrockets to a critical point today. Californians are asked to conserve electricity at peak by:

 

*   Turning off unneeded lights, computers and appliances.

*   Setting air conditioner (if you use one) thermostats to 82° F when home and 85° F or off when away.

*   Using major appliances after 7 p.m.

 

The California Independent System Operator (ISO), the nonprofit organization that manages the state’s electricity grid, issued the Flex Alert, stating:

 

The electricity demand experienced within the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) control area Friday and Saturday demonstrates tremendous growth in the demand for electricity – the amount of growth forecasted to appear five years from now. Friday’s peak of 49,036 megawatts set a new record for electricity usage for the state, breaking the old record by 2,500 MWs.

 

Thus far, the California ISO has served this record demand, but it has been with some difficulty and challenges. The amount of conservation received during the peak periods has been making a tremendous difference and the ISO wants to express its appreciation. However additional conservation is critical for Monday if the ISO and the state’s utilities are to continue service. If Californians do not step up their conservation efforts tomorrow considerably, rotating outages are possible. We all need to pitch in. Conserving energy during peak hours is a powerful no-cost way to help prevent outages. In addition, conserving peak energy saves you, your business and the state money and helps protect the environment.

 

For more information and for other energy-saving tips, visit http://www.flexyourpower.com/