No Rotating Power Outages Needed Wednesday Night in PG&E's Service Area

Based on forecasts for electricity supply and demand, the state’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), has confirmed that Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will not need to employ rotating power outages on Wednesday.

PG&E has been on standby throughout the day and for the duration of this heat wave, which began Friday (Aug. 14). The company’s Emergency Operations Center remains open and prepared to initiate potential rotating outages at the request of the CAISO. PG&E teams will continue to coordinate with the CAISO as the heatwave extends through Thursday. The CAISO oversees the larger power grid and balances energy demand with supply.

Even with the request to start conserving energy an hour earlier, with a 2 p.m. start time today versus a 3 p.m. start time on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, customers helped the state meet the energy challenge. Thanks to the conservation efforts of California residents, the CAISO was able to call off potential rotating outages Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and now Wednesday.

Electricity Conservation Is Key Through Thursday

Residential and commercial PG&E customers alike have all come together to conserve electricity and help avoid the need for rotating outages.

With the heatwave expected to continue at least through Thursday night, PG&E strongly encourages all customers to continue conserving to reduce overall power demand.

“The end of this record heatwave is in sight. Thanks to a remarkable joint effort among all Californians to conserve, the state’s grid has weathered this heat storm without significant interruption so far this week. We are incredibly appreciative of the contributions our customers have made to help avoid rotating outages. We urge our customers to keep up their great efforts to conserve through Thursday, and we thank them for their support and patience during this extreme weather event,” said Laurie Giammona, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for PG&E.

PG&E Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Usage

• Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.
• Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.
• Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the home.
• Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
• Limit the opening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
• Clean clothes and dishes early: Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10:00 pm.

PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool

• Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.
• Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Have a buddy system: Check in on elderly or people with access and function needs.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty.
• Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
• Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

Rotating outages directed by the CAISO are not Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which are called by PG&E during specific high fire threat conditions, and they are not related to any issues with PG&E’s equipment or its ability to deliver energy locally.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news

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