Hot temperatures persist in California
FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is issuing this heat bulletin due to the continuance of above-normal temperatures and increased electricity demand into next week for California.
Though we have seen slight cooling throughout the West and Northern California regions, Southern California continues to experience significant above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures which is increasing electricity demand for California through the weekend and into early next week.
Temperatures in Southern California are forecasted to be 10-15 degrees above normal, where temperatures in Northern California are forecasted to be normal over the weekend with a slight increase to 2-7 degrees above normal on Monday, Sept. 9. Although the hottest days of the heat event have passed, persistent heat and warm overnight temperatures are expected to remain through mid-week for California.
Restricted Maintenance Operations (RMO) has been issued for Monday, Sept. 9, from noon to 10 p.m. due to high loads and temperatures across the state. During the RMO, market participants are cautioned to avoid scheduled maintenance to ensure all available generation and transmission lines are in service.
At this time, the grid is stable, and we will continue to monitor conditions carefully. While no supply shortfalls are anticipated, it is important to emphasize that extreme heat that lingers for many consecutive days can overtax generators running at high outputs for long periods, increasing the risk of outages and reduced generation. Wildfires can also pose a threat to generators and transmission lines. And hot weather, which continues to affect other Western states, could limit the potential for importing energy.
If weather or grid conditions worsen, the ISO could issue a series of emergency notifications to access additional resources, and prepare market participants and the public for potential energy shortages.
The ISO could also issue a Flex Alert encouraging consumers to voluntarily reduce electricity use from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on certain days. Flex Alerts are typically issued for the subsequent day based on day-ahead market outcomes. Learn more about conserving energy or sign up for text notifications at www.FlexAlert.org.
The ISO continues to closely monitor conditions and will provide updates as necessary.
To stay current with forecasted supply and demand conditions, and monitor grid status, visit the ISO’s Today’s Outlook, download the free ISO Today mobile app, and follow us on Twitter/X at @California_ISO.
# # #
California ISO | 250 Outcropping Way | Folsom, CA 95630 | www.caiso.com
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated, with its partners, to continuous improvement and secure operation of a reliable grid operated for the benefit of consumers.
It provides comprehensive grid planning, open and nondiscriminatory access to one of the largest networks of high-voltage transmission power lines in the world, and operates a $9 billion competitive electricity market. Recognizing the importance of the global climate challenge, the ISO is at the forefront of integrating renewable power and advanced technologies that will help provide a sustainable energy future efficiently and cleanly.
The Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) is a real-time wholesale energy trading market that enables participants anywhere in the West to buy and sell energy when needed. The WEIM Governing Body is the governing authority designed by regional stakeholders and has shared authority with the ISO Board of Governors to resolve rules specific to participation in the WEIM.