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Blackouts possible as Flex Alert issued for California on Wednesday

The Flex Alert will be in place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday

CALIFORNIA, USA — California is calling on people to conserve power Wednesday to avoid possible blackouts.

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) announced that a Flex Alert will be in place Wednesday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to help avoid power disruptions.

CAISO is predicting high temperatures that will push energy demand, primarily from air conditioning use. As a result, the grid operator is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help with the issue.

“One of the easiest things is preventing your house from heating up in the first place. So first thing in the morning, make sure you’re closing those blinds on the windows facing the sun, close those curtains. Fans are so much cheaper than air conditioning, and they can still make it feel like it’s cool in your home,” said Lindsay VanLaningham, spokesperson for the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD).

SMUD said they're not expecting any outages this week as long as customers cut back.

The grid is expected to be most stressed during the late afternoon and early evening as demand increases and solar energy wanes.

Officials are asking Californians to do the following before 4 p.m.:

  • Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
  • Use major appliances, including:
    • Washer and dryer
    • Dishwasher
    • Oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals
  • Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows

They're also asking Californians to do the following between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.:

  • Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
  • Avoid using major appliances
  • Turn off all unnecessary lights

WATCH ALSO: Are California energy officials doing enough to prevent blackouts from happening again?

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