Flex Alerts
What is a Flex Alert?
A Flex Alert is an urgent call for California businesses, governments and residents to voluntarily reduce their electricity use. The alert is used to prevent Stage 1 Electrical Emergencies - times when the demand for electricity is at its peak, typically during very hot weather.
When a Flex Alert is Issued, What Can I Do?
At home and at work, follow the three Flex Alert measures:
- Turn off all unnecessary lights, computers and appliances.
- Postpone using major appliances until after 7 p.m.
- Turn your air conditioning thermostat to 78° F or higher.
Sign-up to receive Flex Alert notifications via email and on your mobile phone.
When a Flex Alert is called, we'll notify you via email or text message so you can take action to conserve energy when California needs it most.
Can your organization distribute Flex Alert notifications to its employees?
When a Flex Alert is called, Flex Alert Network partners agree to send a notification email out to their employees that includes breaking news and peak conservation tips.
More Ways You Can Save Energy During a Flex Alert
How Does the Alert Work?
- The California Independent System Operator (ISO) triggers the alert based on system conditions and forecasted demand.
- Businesses, governments and residents are notified through media and email to reduce use.
- When possible, Alerts are regionally targeted to where the system is stressed.
- All Californians are asked to reduce their use of lighting, adjust air conditioning thermostat to 78° F or higher and postpone using major appliances until after 7 p.m.
Why Would Energy Reserves Be Low?
Reasons for low reserves may include:
- High peak demand
- Unplanned generation outages or transmission problems
- Adverse weather
Does Conservation Work?
Yes! Read about how conservation helped bring down record-breaking demand on Monday, July 24, 2006. (PDF)
Sign up for Demand Response Programs offered by your utility
Demand Response Programs typically provide incentives and other benefits to customers who can reduce their power when energy supplies are low. These programs help ensure reliable and affordable power for all Californians and are available to most commercial customers and some residential customers. Download the 2006 Demand Response List of Programs to find a program for your company.
Historical Records - Past Flex Alerts
Find out when, where and why the Flex Alerts were called since 2004.