The California Independent System Operator (ISO) is declaring a Stage 3 Electrical Emergency due to high heat and increased electricity demand on Friday August 14 2020.
The emergency initiates rotating outages throughout the state.
Customers in Dana Point/Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo/Lake Forest/Laguna Hills may be affected.
Customers can check their SDG&E bill to see if they will be affected.
Circuit numbers and curtailment block numbers are listed in the electric service section of your bill which can be found on MyAccount.
Cal ISO Stage 3 Emergency Declaration Information
A Stage 3 Emergency is declared when demand outpaces available supply.
Rotating power interruptions have been initiated to maintain stability of the electric grid.
The Stage 3 Emergency declaration was called after extreme heat drove up electricity demand across California, causing the ISO to dip into its operating reserves for supply to cover demand.
The California ISO is working closely with California utilities and neighboring power systems to manage strain on the grid and to restore the power grid to full capacity.
As portions of the grid are restored, local utilities will restore power in a coordinated fashion.
Although a Stage Emergency is a significant inconvenience to those affected by rotating power interruptions, it is preferable to manage an emergency with controlled measures rather than let it cause widespread and more prolonged disruption.
Cal ISO Stage 3 Emergency Friday August 14 2020 Timeline
6:36pm: Cal ISO ordered utilities to implement rotating power outages to protect the stability of the grid.
7:51pm: The grid stabilized, and utilities began restoring 1,000 megawatts of electricity that had been taken out of service.
8:03pm: San Diego Gas and Electric announced that all outages were ended for August 14 2020.
8:54pm: Cal ISO Stage 3 Emergency Declaration Lifted
The ISO’s grid operators are closely monitoring supply and demand during the extreme heat event.
Use a ceiling or portable fan instead of your air conditioner if possible.
Run your A/C early in the morning to pre-cool your home.
Close blinds, shades or drapes to block out the sun’s heat.
Run major appliances early in the morning or late at night.
Unplug TV, cable, DVD or gaming devices when idle, or use a smart power strip to eliminate phantom power.
Turn off pool pumps between 2:00pm and 6:00pm.
