Can California utilities turn off your electricity in a heat wave? Here’s what you need to know
The California heat has returned, and with it, lofty electric bills likely fueled by your air conditioners.
The first triple-digit heat wave of the summer is expected to last Friday through Sunday in the Sacramento region, with temperatures climbing as high as 110 degrees in parts of the Central Valley.
During heat waves, can utilities shut off your power to conserve energy? Here’s what the state allows:
Can California utilities turn off your power?
Since extra cooling needs require a higher demand on utility systems, there is an option for energy providers to issue rolling blackouts. These are preventative measures to stop sweeping outages, or worse — a total shut down, according to the California Independent System Operator.
The California ISO, headquartered in Folsom, manages 80% of the state’s power grid. It tells electric companies how much energy to cut in a heat crisis. The companies, including PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, then direct which areas are affected.
Getting to that point would take a lot.
During a prolonged heat wave in September, when much of California broke heat records, the power grid “ teetered at the very brink,” The Bee reported, and utilities warned of possible rolling outages. Residents heeded warnings, conserving enough power so ISO did not order any blackouts.
Before this would happen, ISO would send out Flex Alerts, which you can find on Twitter or sign up for through its website.
Other utilities, including SMUD and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, are not part of ISO. These companies manage their parts of the grid and can institute rolling outages in their service areas, The Bee previously reported.
Lindsay VanLaningham, a spokeswoman for SMUD, said utilities could shut off people’s power to reserve resources if necessary, but it is not expected for this heat wave.
“During times of shortages, there are contingency plans for turning off power to maintain capacity,” VanLaningham said. “We don’t foresee having to do that.” She said SMUD has not issued a rolling blackout in roughly a decade.
A PG&E spokesperson also said the company is not concerned with the first heat wave of the season.
According to ISO, these situations can trigger a rolling blackout:
▪ Increased air conditioning use which drives up electricity demand
▪ Unexpected power plant or transmission line outages caused by mechanical failure
▪ Wildfire
▪ Cloud cover and a lack of wind, which reduce solar and wind generation power
Utilities also have the ability to issue public safety shutoffs if there’s a risk of wildfire due to electric infrastructure.
How do rolling blackouts work?
In a planned rolling blackout, short power outages (about an hour or two) alternate throughout communities. This reduces grid demand and stretches available energy when supplies are short to ensure the grid doesn’t collapse.
How can you avoid a blackout?
“We do remind our customers to take precautions when its very hot and we offer tips on staying cool while saving money by conserving energy,” said Paul Moreno, a spokesman for PG&E.
Tips to stay cool and conserve energy:
- When cool outside, bring the air in.
- Clear the area around your AC.
- Replace filters as needed.
- Close shades in the summer.
- Cool down with a fan.
- Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
Have a question? Email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
This story was originally published June 30, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
