California Declares Grid Emergency, Warning of Blackouts

- Electricity use seen hitting five-year high early next week

- Consumers were asked to conserve as temperatures soar

By Mark Chediak and David R Baker
August 31, 2022 at 6:17 PM EDT
Updated on August 31, 2022 at 8:04 PM EDT

California officials declared a statewide grid emergency to cope with surging demand for power amid a blistering heat wave, raising the prospect of rolling blackouts.

The California Independent System Operator issued a level-1 energy emergency alert around 3:10 p.m. local time Wednesday after tapping all of its available power supplies. The notice, which comes after officials asked homes and businesses to conserve, is a warning that the state is anticipating power shortages.


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