Power giants issue urgent warning to Californians as scorching heatwave hits

A stretch of scorching temperatures could put Southern California’s power grid to the test next week as residents increasingly turn to air conditioning to escape the heat.With electricity use expected to climb, utilities are asking customers to cut back on power consumption when possible to reduce pressure on the grid and the risk of outages.Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, said California isn’t doing enough to increase capacity for the state’s grid.He said the state could invest more in clean energy generation and storage.

The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Toney pointed to one recent policy decision as an example of where he believes California could do more.Gov.

Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 1813 on Sept.30, legislation authored by Assemblymember Christopher Ward that would have created a customer renewable energy subscription program aimed at expanding access to community renewable energy projects.

The Utility Reform Network supported the legislation. “Community solar and storage is a way to increase clean energy generation, and so that would be an example, a very specific example, of something the state could do,” Toney said.A major factor during heat waves is solar power, which not only provides electricity during the day but helps charge batteries that can supply power later, Toney explained.“It’s easier on a sunny day when you have abundant solar power in the middle of the day, and you have the batteries charging up that you can deploy when the sun is going down,” Toney said.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!...