FAQ: Here's what to know about California Flex Alerts

When temperatures start to rise, there's a chance Californians will be asked to conserve power.

One of the most common steps is a statewide Flex Alert, a request to voluntarily reduce power use by California's power grid manager,

It is the first of several measures that Cal ISO might take to avoid power interruptions in the nation's most populous state. They're typically issued during days of extreme heat in hot and dry summer months.

Here’s what to know.

What can I do?

CalISO offers the following power conservation tips.

• Turning off unnecessary lights.
• Using major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m.
• Setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
• Use fans and keep drapes drawn.

How will I know when there’s an urgent need to conserve?

Cal ISO has a notifications page where you can sign up to receive updates. Check you local utility's page for other alerts.

Why shut off power on a rotating basis?

A Stage 3 Emergency is declared when demand outpaces available supply. The August order was declared after extreme heat drove up electricity demand, causing the ISO to dip into operating reserves.

"Although a Stage Emergency is a significant inconvenience to those affected by rotating power interruptions, it is preferable to manage an emergency with controlled measures rather than let it cause widespread and more prolonged disruption,'' Cal-ISO said.

What happens when rolling blackouts are ordered?

The California Independent System Operator, manager of the state’s power grid, declares a Stage 3 power emergency and directs utilities around the state to shed their power loads. If your local utility determines a need to shut off power, the blackouts typically last about an hour.

In August 2020, Cal ISO issued a Flex Alert followed by its first Stage 3 Alert since 2001. Eventually, the grid stabilized and utilities began restoring electricity that had been taken out of service. Stage 3 alerts mean the ISO is unable to meet minimum reserve requirements and load interruptions are imminent. Temperatures around the state hit triple digits in many areas, and air conditioning use increased. In addition, cloudy weather from the remnants of tropical weather system reduced power generation from solar plants.

Is everyone affected?

After CalISO issues the power outages alert, it's up to local utilities to manage load. So rolling blackouts and other steps taken in one area might not be called for in others, depending on what local utilities decide.

When was the last time we had rolling outages?

In August 2020, California ordered rolling power outages for the first time since 2001 as a statewide heat wave strained its electrical system.

The rolling outages ordered in 2001 came during an energy crisis. Blackouts occurred several times from January to May, including one that affected more than 1.5 million customers in March. The cause was a combination of energy shortages and market manipulation by energy wholesalers, infamously including Enron Corp., that drove up prices by withholding supplies.

What happens before we reach Stage 3?

Californians are familiar with Flex Alerts — a call for power conservation issued by Cal ISO in anticipation of high power demand. They usually happen during widespread extreme heat. The system operator also may issue the following alerts.

• Stage 1: Contingency power reserve shortfalls are happening or expected. There’s a strong need for power conservation. 
• Stage 2: Cal ISO has taken all mitigating actions and is no longer able to provide its expected energy requirements. 
• Stage 3: Cal ISO is unable to meet minimum contingency reserve requirements, and load interruption is imminent or in progress. Notice is issued to utilities of potential electricity interruptions.

What can I do to prepare for an outage?

Below, you’ll find a few tips to get you through a power outage.

• Update your contact information with your local energy company.
• Have a back-up charging method for your phone and other devices.
• Keep hard copies of emergency numbers and other important information.
• Stock your emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, cash and first-aid supplies.
• Do you know how to manually open your garage door? Try it out. 
• Save operation of power-heavy appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, for early-morning and late-evening hours. 
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators.