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Blistering California Heat Triggers Call for Power Conservation

Blistering California Heat Triggers Call for Power Conservation

California’s power-grid operator is calling on residents to cut back on their electricity use for a second day as stifling heat keeps air conditioners humming. 

The California Independent System Operator is asking for conservation measures from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time Thursday, when power consumption typically peaks, according to a statement. It made the same request for Wednesday, and is also telling utilities to restrict maintenance on power plants across the state to ensure generating capacity is available. 

Above-normal temperatures across the West are driving up demand for power again after a record-breaking heat wave in July. The National Weather Service has issued advisories, with temperatures expected to reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius) in parts of the Central Valley. 

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in July to shore up power supplies amid concerns about possible shortages this summer. A severe drought has reduced the output of the state’s hydroelectric plants, while several new generation projects have been delayed. 

The heat is expected to wane over the next several days, but not by much. Though temperatures may decline by about 10 degrees in some parts of the state, they could still be in the 90s, according to Steve Silver, a senior meteorologist with Maxar. 

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.