Power outages ordered amid San Diego County heatwave

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Temperatures soared into the triple digits again Monday, Aug. 17 in parts of San Diego County amid a heatwave expected to last through at least mid-week, with rotating power outages potentially on tap for more than 100,000 San Diego Gas & Electric customers to counter a spike in electricity demand.

High pressure over the southwestern United States will continue ushering in the scorching heat through at least Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which has posted an excessive heat warning until 10 p.m. Thursday in San Diego County's valleys, mountains and deserts.

The heat wave that began late last week prompted the California Independent System Operator to order rotating power outages, which locally resulted in Friday and Saturday rotating outages in various San Diego County areas to ease strain on the state's power grid.

SDG&E reported Monday afternoon that Cal-ISO has ordered it and other state utilities to begin rotating outages in response to ``excessive heat and exceptionally high energy demand.'' Utility officials said impacted customers, which could exceed 100,000 on Monday, should expect to be without power for about an hour.

``Critical facilities'' such as hospitals, police and fire stations would be exempt from the blackouts, as well as communities in high-threat fire districts, which are subject to public safety power shutoffs to prevent wildfires.

According to SDG&E, the hot weather and grid conditions could lead to more outages ordered by Cal-ISO in the coming days.

The utility advised residents to have flashlights and batteries ready, as well as instructions on how to manually open power-operated garage doors.

Customers who rely on electric or battery-dependent medical technologies, such as breathing machines, power wheelchairs/scooters, and home

oxygen or dialysis, were urged to be prepared to activate their emergency plans.

SDG&E also warned that traffic lights and signals could be impacted by rotating outages, and drivers were advised to exercise caution on the roads.

``Energy conservation remains critically important to help avoid the need for rotating outages, as well as the duration of outages and the number of customers affected,'' according to an SDG&E statement. ``Everyone is urged to do their part to cut back on energy use during this critical time.''

Cal-ISO issued a statewide flex alert Sunday calling for voluntary electricity conservation through Wednesday between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. each day.

Between those hours, CAISO 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; and

-- use fans when possible.

The NWS urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Also, young children, seniors and pets should be never be left unattended in a vehicle, where interiors can ``reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,'' according to the NWS.

San Diego County has nine cooling centers available countywide, with mandatory mask wearing and social distancing protocols in place.

Alpine, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Spring Valley and Valley Center each have one ``Cool Zone'' location.

A full list of the cooling center locations can be found at: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/documents/Cool

%20Zones%202020_08-14-20%20(2).pdf.