On Monday, the California power grid operator, Independent System Operator (ISO), declared a stage 1 emergency, urging all consumers to reduce their electricity usage voluntary, following a heatwave which has swept over the state over the past few days.

Last Friday, consumers' demand for electricity surged, setting a new record of 49,036 megawatts, an increase of 2,500 megawatts (MS) from the previous record. One megawatt was enough to generate electricity for around 800 U.S. homes.

ISO is forecasting that a new peak will be set in the state, with 52,000 MWs being used at 4 P.M. PST on Monday. Currently the hottest temperature recorded in the state, is Palm Spring at107 F while Los Angeles is recording a high 93 F, according to the LA Times.

There is a real possibility that stage 3 emergency will be implemented if consumers fail to heed the stage 1 advice. In this stage, consumers are advised that involuntary interruptions of service have begun and will be maintained until the emergency has passed.

California Energy