Entire West Coast's Power Grid Is On The Verge Of Collapsing?
Charlene Badasie - Yesterday 10:39 AM
As an intense heat wave blankets most West Coast states this week, officials in California have urged residents to reduce energy consumption to avoid straining the power grid. The National Weather Service says people should expect a prolonged and possibly record-breaking heat wave, with little relief overnight. The heat watch and advisories stretch from Arizona to Washington State. The agency also said the warmth coupled with little moisture and low humidity will contribute to an elevated wildfire risk across parts of the northern Great Basin and northern High Plains.
To prevent the West Coast Power Grid from collapsing, the California Independent System Operator (which manages 80% of the state’s grid) extended a Flex Alert, urging residents to curtail electricity use between the hours of 4 pm and 9 pm till the end of the week. The operator also suggested residents pre-cool their homes at 72 degrees Fahrenheit before 4 pm and then set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher during conservation hours, CNN Reports. Additionally, residents should avoid charging electric vehicles or using large appliances.
Lowering the strain on the West Coast power grid will help prevent more drastic measures, like rotating blackouts. Unfortunately, California will be limited in its ability to import power because of similar high temperatures in neighboring West Coast states. According to NPR, Las Vegas is projected to see a week of high temperatures near 110 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime lows of 85 degrees or higher. Both are more than 10 degrees above the city’s average September weather. To provide some relief to residents, the city of Los Angeles is opening nine cooling centers for extended hours.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/entire-west-coast-s-power-grid-is-on-the-verge-of-collapsing/ar-AA11mqPt?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=afbd269af5aa427e8b401bb43cd93d98
