The California Independent System Operator, or ISO has issued a statewide Flex Alert calling for voluntary electricity conservation Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high energy demand and tight supplies on the power grid.

With above-normal temperatures in the forecast for much of California and the West, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use.

The increased demand can make electricity supplies tight and strain the power grid, making conservation essential.

During the Flex Alert time period, consumers are asked to lower their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, and take other voluntary measures that include avoiding the use of major appliances and unnecessary lights.

To take full advantage of all available supply, the ISO has also issued a restricted maintenance operation for Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., notifying ISO participants to avoid taking grid assets offline for routine maintenance until the restricted maintenance operation is lifted.

Conserving electricity during the late afternoon and early evening is crucial because that is when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and declining solar energy Production.

In the past, reducing energy use during a Flex Alert has helped operators keep the power grid stable during tight supply conditions and prevented further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit www.FlexAlert.org.