LOS ANGELES (AP) – State power grid officials are urging Southern Californians to conserve electricity amid a fierce heat wave.
The California Independent System Operator has declared a “Flex Alert” for Southern California from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to help avoid power outages.
In addition to the strain from use of air conditioners, natural gas supplies that fuel many Los Angeles-area power plants may be tight because of the partial shutdown of the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility after a well blowout that spewed gas for weeks.
Consumers are asked to set air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher, and to avoid using major appliances until after 9 p.m.
Forecasters say the heat wave will peak Monday.