Electric bill (Photo – coned.com)
Earlier this month, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the San Gabriel Valley. During periods of extreme heat, electricity use can rise sharply as residents rely on air conditioning to stay cool. Flex Alerts are one way residents can help reduce demand during these critical periods.
By Dale Zapata
A Flex Alert is a voluntary call for energy conservation issued when electricity supply is expected to be insufficient. These alerts are typically issued during heat waves from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the hours when Californians are returning home from work and school and renewable energy sources like solar power are less available.
This year, Active San Gabriel Valley is partnering with the California Public Utilities Commission to share information about Flex Alerts and encourage residents to take part. ActiveSGV is committed to supporting a more sustainable and equitable San Gabriel Valley, where reliable electricity is especially important for children, older adults, and people who rely on medical devices.
The goal is straightforward: Encourage residents to reduce energy use during these critical hours to maintain grid stability and ensure reliable electricity service for everyone.
By participating in a Flex Alert, residents can help support neighbors who depend on consistent access to electricity, particularly when the grid is strained.
Shifting energy use to earlier in the day, when solar energy is more abundant, can also reduce our dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation. This supports California’s clean energy goals and helps reduce emissions that affect air quality in our valley communities.
Participating in a Flex Alert requires simple adjustments. Before 4:00 pm, you can pre-cool your home by running the air conditioning, complete laundry and other tasks using major appliances, and adjust window coverings to keep your home cool. From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, you can delay using major appliances, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, or consider visiting a cooling center, library, or movie theater if your home gets too warm. After 9:00 pm, you can resume normal activities.
To receive advance notice when a Flex Alert is issued, sign up for Flex Alert notifications. Participation is voluntary, but these small adjustments can help maintain reliable electricity service across the San Gabriel Valley.
Dale Zapata is the Communications Manager at Active San Gabriel Valley (ActiveSGV), a nonprofit working to create a more livable, equitable, and sustainable San Gabriel Valley.
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