by Timothy Rutt

The super-hot weather this week  has caused the California Independent System Operator to issue a Flex Alert today, asking all power customers to reduce their usage through Sunday.

The alert was called at 9:09 AM today, according to a release from Southern California Edison, "urgently calling for California businesses, governments and residents to reduce their electricity use voluntarily. Today’s declaration, which remains in effect through 6 p.m. Aug. 12, was made because of increased demand for electricity."

Edison and the Independent System Operator are urging customers to reduce electricity use between 11 AM- 6 PM.

While no other action is planned, the operator "could direct utilities to conduct involuntary rotating outages — for blocks of customers — across their service areas until sufficient reserve levels are achieved."

SCE recommends that customers:

• Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees.
• Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• Shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers when an air conditioner is running.
• Operate energy-intensive appliances during early morning or evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to off-peak times.

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