California Grid Operator Confirms State’s Energy Supply Expected to Meet Demand Tonight as Heatwave Continues

No Rotating Power Outages Needed Tonight in PG&E Service Area

Customers Previously Notified In Portions Of San Francisco, San Mateo and Contra Costa Counties Will Not Be Impacted By Rotating Power Outages

Customers Strongly Urged to Conserve Electricity through Wednesday Night

PG&E Is Not Calling A Public Safety Power Shutoff

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Based on current forecasts for electricity supply and demand, the state’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), has communicated to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) that the utility does not need to employ rotating power outages in the early to late evening Sunday.

All customers in portions of San Francisco, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties, who were previously notified via automated calls, will not be impacted by rotating power outages.

PG&E has been on standby throughout the day, opening its Emergency Operations Center to be ready to execute potential rotating outages at the request of the CAISO. PG&E teams will continue to coordinate with the CAISO as the heatwave extends into next week. The CAISO oversees the larger power grid and balances energy demand with supply.

These outages are not Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which are called during specific high fire threat conditions, and they are not related to any issues with PG&E’s equipment or its ability to deliver energy locally.

Electricity Conservation Is Key

With the heatwave expected to continue tomorrow through Wednesday night, PG&E strongly encourages all customers to conserve energy to reduce the strain on the state’s electric grid.

“We strongly urge our customers to take action and conserve their energy usage over the next few days. We continue to work together with many agency partners to address the current statewide heatwave. We know how important it is to have access to reliable power during these times and we appreciate the patience of our customers as we work through this together. Our team will continue working diligently to keep any rotating outages that may be called as short as possible,” said Laurie Giammona, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for PG&E.

PG&E Tips to Save Energy and Reduce Usage

PG&E strongly urges all customers to conserve energy through next Wednesday.

• Raise the thermostat: Cool homes and use air conditioners more during morning hours. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the rest of the day, health permitting. Turn it up to 85 degrees or turn it off when not at home.
• Use a ceiling fan: Turn on a ceiling fan when using the air conditioner, which will allow the thermostat to be raised about 4 degrees to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort. Turn off fans and lights when you leave the room.
• Cover windows: Use shade coverings and awnings so the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the home.
• Avoid using the oven: Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave or grill outside.
• Limit the opening of refrigerators,which are major users of electricity in most homes. The average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
• Clean clothes and dishes early:Use large energy-consuming appliances like washing machines and dishwashers earlier in the day or late at night after 10:00 pm.

PG&E Tips to Stay Safe and Cool

• Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.
• Keep an emergency contact list: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Have a buddy system: Check in on elderly or people with access and function needs.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even when you are not thirsty.
• Stay cool: Take a cool shower or bath and wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
• Stay safe: Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news