Heat wave strains power grid across Southern California

LOS ANGELES - Statewide rolling blackouts that could have affected nearly 1 million households Monday night were averted, thanks to reduced demand due to consumer conservation and cooler than expected weather, the California Independent System Operator announced.

California ISO declared a statewide Stage 2 Emergency at 4:25 p.m., saying it anticipated asking utilities to shed 1,400 megawatts of power between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. However, demand was lower than forecast and the Stage 2 Emergency was canceled at 7:30 p.m.

"We are grateful to families and businesses across the state that answered the call to reduce electricity use during a crucial time on the grid," said Steve Berberich, president and CEO of California ISO, which controls roughly 80% of the state's power grid through Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric.

"This heat storm is not over, and we still expect exceedingly hot temperatures tomorrow and Wednesday. With continued help from California residents in conserving energy, much like today, we can reduce the risk of power outages."

A 4,400-megawatt shortfall had been forecast earlier but reduced due to consumers conserving power, lower temperatures and other measures taken by the agency, according to California ISO.

Widespread rotating blackouts could occur in the days ahead and some customers who were hit by outages this weekend could lose power again, according to SDG&E.

Earlier Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Californians to be prepared for more rolling blackouts over the next 72 hours -- which he called "very likely" -- as the state struggles to meet demand for electricity during a historic, record-breaking heat wave.

Several factors combined to create the supply/demand imbalance, Berberich said.

"We have a perfect storm going on here," Berberich told reporters in an afternoon briefing.

Newsom agreed that despite using "all the tools in the tool kit" to meet demand, "we are likely to fall short," as oppressive temperatures stress the state's energy system.

"Rather extraordinary weather conditions'' also have put firefighters under enormous pressure as they battle wildfires across the state,"Newsom said.

"These next few days we are anticipating a challenge," Newsom said, as he outlined efforts to buy more power from out of state, work with the biggest users of energy -- including large container ships --- to limit use, and better manage the state's supply.

Newsom said the state should have been better prepared to avoid unscheduled blackouts.

"You can't control the weather but you can prepare for weather events," Newsom said. "We failed to prepare ... I'm ultimately accountable."

Big power users are being allowed to shift to backup sources and stored energy that is typically restricted as state officials work to urgently deploy more resources systemwide, according to Newsom.

Newsom pointed to the state's shift to renewable resources as part of the reason for the supply shortage. Shutting down polluting gas power plants has created gaps in the state's energy supply, he said.

While the state remains committed to a greener future, Newsom said, "We cannot sacrifice reliability" and promised that officials would be "much more aggressive ... in making sure that is the case."

Gas power plants, sometimes referred to as ``peaker plants'' to be relied on only to meet peak demand, could conceivably be brought back online within the 72-hour period, Berberich said, but maintenance issues could pose problems.

California ISO would not control that process and Berberich could not say which power plants might be considered.

Newsom announced that he had signed an emergency proclamation to free up energy capacity.

That proclamation suspends permitting requirements related to air quality issues and allows some users and utilities to access backup energy sources to relieve pressure on the grid during peak times.