California’s Energy Grid is Pushed to Limits Catalyzed by Heatwaves and Air Conditioners
Posted on 09/07/2022
With a population of US$ 39 million residents, California’s energy grid remains in crisis during high-temperature stretches. The state has faced energy grid problems for over a decade, despite being an economic powerhouse for the world. California’s power grid could buckle under rolling blackouts if energy demand outpaces supply. In early September 2022, the California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) issued an Energy Emergency Alert 2, which is one step away from Cal ISO saying rolling blackouts are imminent. Air conditioning levels play a major factor, but that could change with the onset of more electric vehicles in California. PG&E had warned 525,000 homes that they could be without power due to the impossible demands on the grid. Intense drought has dried up reservoirs in California, cutting into normally reliable hydroelectric power.
California Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted on September 26, 2022, “CALIFORNIA: We’re now in a Flex Alert.
What does that mean? We all need to conserve as much energy as possible during this record breaking heatwave.
Here’s what to do until 9pm tonight:
– Set thermostats to 78
– Turn off unnecessary lights
– Avoid using large appliances”.
Electric Vehicles
The California government suggests that from 4PM to 9PM, to refrain from charging electric vehicles.
In a historic vote in August 2022, California regulators (California Air Resources Board) agreed to ban the sale of new gasoline-fueled cars by 2035. California is the largest auto market in the U.S.
