Statewide Flex Alert Issued For Friday Through Sunday

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A statewide Flex alert asking Californians to conserve power has been issued for the weekend, in the midst of a brutal heat wave.

The Flex Alert was issued by CAL ISO after energy demands reached 5663 megawatts Wednesday. The alert will be in effect Friday through Sunday.

According to the LADWP, its all-time energy demand record was 6177 megawatts on Sept. 29, 2010. Thursday's energy demand was expected to approach 6000 megawatts.

Energy demand is expect to be highest throughout the weekend, and residents are being asked to cut their usage between the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The LADWP recommended the following tips to conserve power:

-          Adjust thermostats to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day

-          Limit the use of appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances

-          Close draperies, shades or blinds during the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight

-          Ventilate homes at night and early mornings by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate

-          Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use

-          Unplug "energy vampires" like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and appliances that use electricity even when turned off or in sleep mode