Electricity Use Did Not Drop Last Time Californians Were Asked To Voluntarily Cut Back
The state issues “Flex Alerts” during extreme weather conditions in order to prevent the state’s power grid from collapsing. Californians are asked to voluntarily shut off major appliances, turn off unnecessary lights and kick up their thermostats to at least 78 degrees. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has issued five Flex Alerts already this summer, and residents are showing signs that they are tired of cutting back. Severin Borenstein, a member of the CAISO board of governors, said he does not believe Californians are “not taking [the energy issue] that seriously....