The Power of Flex Alerts

High temperatures and extreme dry weather are among the events that may trigger power outages caused by threats posed from wildfires and demand for electricity that exceeds available supply.

But flex alerts are one way we can work together to help lower demand to avoid or lessen the severity of power outages.

What is a Flex Alert?

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), a nonprofit corporation which maintains the reliability of the power grid and manages the flow of electricity for 80 percent of the state, may issue flex alerts, which are voluntary requests for customers to conserve electricity to avoid rotating and other outages when there’s an anticipated energy supply shortage.

Flex alerts are often targeted at reducing power use during peak times (typically between 4-9 pm). They are issued ideally a day in advance to allow customers time to prepare and adjust their power use accordingly but may also happen suddenly and with short notice during an emergency.

What causes a flex alert?

Humid, hot weather and heat storms; fires that impact transmission lines; and unplanned power plant outages in the area.

What can you do?

Pre-cooling homes and charging cars and electronics in the morning; waiting for off-peak hours to run laundry, the dishwasher and other energy-intensive appliances; and turning off unnecessary lights are among the actions customers can take during a flex alert.

SIGN UP for CAISO’s Flex Alerts, if you are not already receiving them. You can choose to be sent an email or text message when Flex Alerts are issued.

While the Orange County Power Authority purchases its customers’ energy, SCE maintains the power lines and brings the electricity to homes and businesses. You can check for check for any potential rotating outages in your area here.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.