Flex Alert issued Friday to prevent power outages

Newport Beach city officials called for residents and businesses to reduce their electricity use Friday, due to the current heat wave and its strain on the electrical grid.

The grid’s operator, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), issued a Flex Alert for all of California on Friday to prevent outages.

CAISO recommends that electricity consumers set their thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and turn off cooling systems if away from their building. It also advises people to cool with fans and draw drapes, turn off unnecessary lights and appliances, and use major appliances in morning or late evening.

In the office, it suggests people should turn off the computer monitor when away from the desk, turn off lights when out of the room, and switch off half of the overhead lights.

CAISO lifted the Flex Alert for the weekend.

—Mike Reicher

Twitter: @mreicher