California power grid declares emergency amid record-breaking heat wave
USA: California on 5 September called a power grid emergency amid a historic heat wave that is pushing the state's grid to its brink.
Image source: Axios
USA: California on 5 September called a power grid emergency amid a historic heat wave that is pushing the state’s grid to its brink.
“We need 2 to 3 times as much conservation as we have been experiencing to keep the power on with these historic high temperatures and demand,” said the grid’s chief executive Elliot Mainzer.
Mainzer points out the grid is looking at energy deficits at 2–4,000 MW, which is as much as 10 % of normal electricity demand. He reveals that the potential for rotating outages has significantly increased, noting that the forecasted demand for the following days is at “all-time record levels.”
The sustained heat wave in California is likely to intensify throughout the week, threatening monthly and all-time temperature records until next weekend.
The electrical grid operator has already called on residents to conserve energy, particularly from 4pm and 10pm local time.
Officials are warning that rolling outages are likely to be necessary as demand exceeds supply, particularly during peak times of the day.
Given the persistence of the heat, and the fact that it is hitting nearby states that could otherwise export power to California, continued challenges await throughout the week.
Source: Axios
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