Multiple power outages were reported in San Luis Obispo County on Sunday evening.
According to the PG&E outage map, a cluster of outages appeared in the northern part of the county, affecting residents Atascadero, Templeton, and Paso Robles.
The map also indicated an outage that stretched to Lake Nacimiento. As of 7 p.m., PG&E had crews dispatched to investigate the problem.
No blackouts were announced for the area as hot temperatures continue to cover San Luis Obispo County, but a Flex Alert is in place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
We need everyone's help now! Please conserve to avert or limit outages. Prepare for #poweroutages, due to high temperatures and increased demand. #FlexAlert
— California ISO (@California_ISO) September 7, 2020
California ISO also announced Stage 2 emergency shortly before 6 p.m., stating residents could expect power outages due to excessive heat driving up electricity use and putting strain on the grid. The ISO called the emergency after a transmission line carrying power from Oregon to California and another in-state power plant went offline unexpectedly. The cause of the outages is unknown at this time.
Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 5-15 degrees higher than normal, which doesn’t allow infrastructure to cool down.
Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:
- Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
- Defer use of major appliances.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Unplug unused electrical devices.
- Close blinds and drapes.
- Use fans when possible.
- Limit time the refrigerator door is open.
Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.:
- “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
- Charge electric vehicles.
- Charge mobile devices and laptops.
- Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
- Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.
