SDG&E August Message

FLEX ALERTS: WHY AND WHEN THEY HAPPEN

A Flex Alert is a call for people to voluntarily conserve electricity when there’s an anticipated energy shortage, especially if the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) needs to use reserves. Reducing electricity use during a Flex Alert can prevent more severe measures, like rolling blackouts.
CAISO, which manages 80% of California’s high-voltage electric grid, can issue Flex Alerts. They typically occur in the summer from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when high temperatures drive up electricity use. Other triggers may include unplanned power plant outages, fires affecting transmission lines and heat storms. Alerts are usually issued a day in advance,