DMV offices locally and across the state will be closing early the next few days in an effort to conserve energy.
The DMV says they will take people with and without appointments until about 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday as offices will close around 3 p.m.
Some people looking to use the DMV's services in San Luis Obispo Monday, say they were given little to no notice of these closures.
"It wasn't [posted] anywhere, [I saw] nothing online and I left work early for this. I get needing to cut some places but this is kind of a main place that people need to access," said Kimberly Walzberg.
"It is hot I understand, but at the same time I really need my license," said Jessica Stroup.
People with appointments after 2:30 p.m. will be contacted and their appointments rescheduled until temperatures cool down, according to the DMV.
“We are doing our part to protect the state’s power grid by reducing our energy consumption,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We know that Californians depend on us for service and apologize for any inconvenience. We will do our best to reschedule customers as soon as possible.”
The DMV says it’s working to turn off unnecessary lighting and equipment in an effort to reduce energy use as temperatures across much of the state soar.
A statewide Flex Alert has been issued for Monday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s unknown whether rotating power outages could impact people in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara counties, but PG&E says it is possible.
California is falling short of its power needs, something Governor Gavin Newsom took responsibility for in a press conference Monday afternoon.
"We failed to predict and plan these shortages and that's simply unacceptable. I am the governor and I am ultimately accountable and will ultimately have taken responsibility to immediately address this issue and move forward to make sure this never happens again," Governor Newsom said.
The Governor says an investigation into the state's power issues is now underway.
"I am not pleased with what's happened. I take a back seat to no one and if you are just on the sidelines, you should not be pleased with what's happening in California. We'll get to the bottom of it," Newsom said.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are encouraged to go online for DMV needs if possible.
We reached out the DMV to see if this is the first time they have closed early for this reason, and are still waiting to hear back.
