When it’s hot out and there’s not enough energy supply to match demand, system
operators may issue a Flex Alert. When a Flex Alert is issued, each of us can help prevent
a power outage by reducing our energy use. Generally, a Flex Alert is issued from 4:00 to
9:00 p.m. as people are arriving home from work and there’s greater strain on the energy
grid. The important thing to remember about a potential power outage during a Flex
Alert is that it is preventable, unlike a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
High winds combined with dry heat and material on the ground like dead grass create
conditions that can result in dangerous fires. As a last resort measure to prevent
wildfires, sometimes utilities call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), which turns off
the electricity in areas where strong winds might down trees and powerlines, causing a
Wildfire.
For more information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, take a look at this guide or go to
your utility’s website. For more information on Flex Alerts and to receive Flex Alert
notifications, go to PowerSaverRewards.org.
Stay safe and stay aware, California!
Know the Difference: Public Safety Power Shut Offs vs. Flex Alerts
As any Californian can tell you, we deal with our fair share of power outages. But did you
know there are several different kinds of power outages? And that one type is
preventable, while one of them is not?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) occurs because of the weather. High winds can
knock down power lines and cause dangerous wildfires. To decrease the danger posed
by high winds, a Public Safety Power Shutoff might be called in local areas or regions.
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff, a utility company will turn off the power to
decrease the risk of a wildfire caused by downed powerlines.
A Flex Alert occurs when there’s simply not enough energy supply to meet demand.
Usually, this occurs across California when the weather is hot and people are arriving
home from school or work (typically, 4:00-9:00 p.m.). The good news is that these are
preventable, unlike a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A Flex Alert will notify you when
there’s not enough energy supply. If we all reduce energy use, we can help prevent a
power outage. To sign up for Flex Alert notifications, go to PowerSaverRewards.org.
Now you know what causes power outages in California! Help spread the word that
some power outages are preventable and remember to sign up for Power Saver Rewards
and Flex Alerts. When you sign up for Power Saver Rewards, you get a credit on your
energy bill when you reduce energy use during a Flex Alert.
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