Emergency Energy Alert Issued; Rolling Blackouts Possible

The California Independent System Operator (CAL-ISO) announced a statewide Energy Emergency Alert from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday due to excessive heat and power demand.

Energy regulators issued a Flex Alert for Labor Day, the sixth straight day that state energy officials have urged residents statewide to reduce their use of electricity during late afternoon and evening hours. Monday's Flex Alert was from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., an hour later than the previous Flex Alerts.

The Energy Emergency announcement includes a warning that if residents don't do enough to conserve power this afternoon, rolling blackouts could occur.

Excessive Heat Warning Extended Again

The National Weather Service on Monday extended the Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County and all of Southern California until 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 due to the forecasts for continued daytime temperatures in the 90s and low 100’s in many areas.

Fire Risk Remains High

The heat wave has also increased the fire risk.  Just before Noon on Labor Day, a brush fire broke out east of Ramona along Highway 78 in the Witch Creek area. Fire officials say it quickly burned about 50 acres and was threatening some structures and evacuations were possible. But at about 1:30 p.m., Cal Fire reported that the forward rate of spread of the flames had been stopped.

(Photo Getty Images)

Photo: AFP via Getty Images


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