Statewide Flex Alert issued as temperatures rise, power grid stressed

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Extreme heat is taking a toll on the state's power grid.

Hundreds of thousands of power outages have been reported statewide over the last two days. Those outages impacted a few thousand in Fresno and Clovis on Monday night and around 5,000 outages reported there Sunday.

Energy experts say Tuesday is expected to be the most taxing on the grid. PG&E officials say they're preparing for a distribution overload as more people turn on their air conditioners to stay cool.

The expected spike has caused officials to issue a state-wide Flex Alert -- a call for voluntary electricity conservation.

Because the afternoon is peak time to turn on appliances and air conditioners, they are asking you to conserve from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Here are some of the best ways to conserve:

When you are home, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher and turn it off when you head out the door.

Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and if you have to use any major appliances, do so in morning or late evening.

Cooling with fans and shutting the drapes will help with conservation efforts.