Based on current energy supply forecasts, rotating power outages are likely to occur Monday. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) urges customers to conserve electricity in response to the California Independent System Operator’s (ISO) statewide Flex Alert called for Monday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. CAISO is the organization that manages the state’s power grid.
Best ways to conserve energy:
- Raise the thermostat: set to 78 degrees when at home, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or off when not at home.
- Use a ceiling fan: this will allow you to raise the thermostat about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction to comfort.
- Turn off fans and lights when you leave a room.
- Cover windows: use shade coverings and awnings so the A/C won’t have to work as hard.
- Avoid using the oven: instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave, or grill outside.
- Limit the opening of your refrigerator. The average fridge is opened 33 times a day – how low can you go?
- Charge electric cars after 9 or 10 pm.
Marin Public Health has opened a cooling center through Tuesday, August 18, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall (10 Avenue of the Flags). older adults and those more vulnerable to heat related illnesses who cannot safely stay cool at home can seek temporary relief at the air-conditioned San Rafael site.
Stay informed about outages affecting your service by viewing PG&E’s outage map.
Visit CAISO’s web page for information about California’s electric grid and to view our usage.