PG&E is encouraging customers around the Bay Area to prepare for excessive heat Friday that could contribute to power outages, but the California Independent System Operator says supply shortages are not anticipated statewide because of the hot weather.
Temperatures in the East Bay and further inland could reach into the lower 100s on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian said in an email that this could be an "all-hands on deck event," and said crews will be out and ready to respond to heat-related outages.
Officials at CAISO, which manages electricity over the state's high-voltage transmission lines, said although hot weather is forecast in much of California on Friday, the Pacific Northwest is forecast for cooler than normal temperatures, so additional resources will be available if needed, so there are no plans for a Flex Alert, a notice to encourage customers to voluntarily reduce power consumption.
Sarkissian said transformer failure is the main cause of outages during excessive heat. Transformers help distribute power from the grid to homes and businesses, and require time to cool down, especially at night, she said. When temperatures stay high overnight, the components in the transformers can become overheated and fail.
Transformers can fail more often in coastal areas with more moderate average temperatures, because many inland areas have equipment designed to handle hotter weather.
If the power does go out, PG&E officials recommend having a fully charged cellphone, as well as flashlights, radios, and batteries nearby. People should unplug all electronics besides one lamp to alert when the power is back on, and then turn appliances on one-by-one when the power is restored.
The utility also recommends that residents place extra ice inside their freezer and refrigerator and keep the doors closed; and that they make sure any generator is installed by a licensed professional.
PG&E crews receive regular heat safety tips, especially before working during a heat event, according to Sarkissian. Co-workers are trained in first aid and monitor each other for signs of heat exhaustion, cramps, or stroke. Crews are to stop working if they recognize these signs.
Comments
Registered user
Danbury Park
on Jun 10, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Registered user
on Jun 10, 2022 at 3:42 pm
PG&E and high temperature.
Don’t use laundry dryer when temperature is higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the natural energy from the sun to dry up your laundry. Don’t use comforter during high temperature. Because dryer and comforter makes you use even more electricity, you would let that aircon of yours running more to get the cooler temperature you want in your house. That’s not minimizing.
When temperature gets too hot there’s a chance that power plants or transformers will give up or shut down because of excessive heat.
What will you do then? Especially when you have children at home.
Please minimize.
When temperature gets 90 degrees Fahrenheit or even more higher for months air and grounds transportation should be lockdown for two weeks at a time for the temperature to subside.
Airplane engines heats up 120 degrees and more while moving plus vehicles that are stock in traffic two to four hours a day spread heat in our area.
We are cooking human being during this very hot time.
Lockdown transportation for two weeks should not hurt the economy. And this must be mandatory.
Food budget for two weeks should be manageable.
Please minimize.