A Flex Alert is typically issued in the summer when extremely hot weather pushes up energy demand and the state electric grid reaches its capacity. It is a call to consumers to voluntarily cut back on electricity and shift electricity use to off-peak hours. This usually happens in the late in the day when solar energy supplies starts to decrease and people arrive home and switch on air conditioners, lights and appliances.

When a Flex Alert is called, residents are advised reduce their electricity use on the dates and times noted in the alert. Conservation is a vital tool in preventing local rotating power outages during heat waves. As we’ve already seen this summer, there have been heat waves and flex alerts so it’s important to sign up for Flex Alerts and be prepared.

In the morning before a Flex Alert:

• Pre-cool their homes by lowering air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees
• Close blinds and drapes to keep the sun from heating up the home
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances
• Set pool pumps to run early in the morning
• Charge mobile devices and laptops
• Charge electric vehicles

During a Flex Alert, when conservation is needed:

• Set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits
• Avoid using dishwashers, washers, dryers, and ovens
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Unplug or turn off electrical devices that you are not using
• Keep blinds and drapes closed to prevent the sun from heating up the home
• Use fans when possible

For more tips and ways you can conserve energy, visit the Flex Alert webpage.