Heat wave threatens California power grid

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Published Monday, September 18, 2000, in the San Jose Mercury News

Heat wave threatens power grid BY BARBARA FEDER Mercury News Think it was hot Sunday? Brace yourself for a nearly weeklong heat wave that could set temperature records around the Bay Area and severely strain California's already overburdened power grid.

Temperatures could top 111 degrees inland by Tuesday, and many Bay Area cities could face searing, 90-plus degree heat through Wednesday, said National Weather Service forecaster Tom Evans.

Yes, Thursday may bring slight relief, but it's likely to be a sweltering week if Sunday is any guide: Downtown Oakland's high of 95 degrees broke its 1984 record for the date. San Francisco reached a nearly unheard-of 92 degrees; San Jose topped out at 94 degrees. And temperature records were smashed in Mountain View (94 degrees), Watsonville (95 degrees) and Salinas (93 degrees).

The California Independent System Operator, which monitors the state's 124,000-mile power grid, declared today a Power Watch day. If consumers around the state don't save energy, California could face rolling power blackouts affecting thousands of consumers -- similar to those imposed during the last big heat wave in mid-June.

``We're facing a very difficult situation in the next three days,'' said ISO spokesman Patrick Dorinson. ``The message for the next three days is conservation, conservation, conservation. This is very serious: If people choose not to help us, we have to take drastic measures to preserve the integrity of the electrical system.''

This week's demands on California's power grid could be even more intense than in mid-June, officials say, because high temperatures are expected across the state rather than just in the Bay Area, as was the case in June.

In addition, hydroelectric power plants have drawn down much of their water reserves during the summer, limiting their ability to generate electricity, Dorinson said.

Demand is expected to rise this afternoon to 43,187 megawatts and could reach 45,000 megawatts, threatening power reserves, he said. On peak summer days, the state has about 46,400 megawatts available. A megawatt powers about 1,000 homes.

Consumers should turn off their air conditioners if they're not at home, and restrict use of energy-sucking appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, to the late evening or very early morning hours. Office workers can save power by turning off idle computers, printers and other office appliances.

``If you don't need to use it,'' Dorinson said, ``turn it off.''

Forecasters blame the heat wave on an unusual weather pattern that is pushing hot winds over land to the ocean and keeping cooling ocean breezes from coming ashore.

The only saving grace with an early fall heat wave, says forecaster Evans, is that the sun rises later and sets sooner than in the summer, possibly pushing temperatures a degree or two lower.

Pollution levels are expected to rise along with the heat, with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District declaring today the first Spare the Air Day in three months. Because of predicted high levels of ozone -- a lung irritant -- officials are urging people to cut back on driving when possible and to avoid using aerosol products. They're also recommending that the elderly, sick and young children stay indoors during the hottest midday hours and that people use caution when exercising outdoors.

At Bay Area schools this week, teachers will encourage students to drink water often, and some physical activities may be restricted.

In Santa Clara County, schools are expected to remain open, county schools Superintendent Colleen Wilcox said Sunday. Backup plans are in place for special education students and others who might need special care, she said.

The elderly are at the highest risk during a heat wave. At Pleasant View Convalescent Hospital in Cupertino, a ``warm day'' plan will be in place. The facility is air-conditioned, said charge nurse Rose Garcia, but workers will place extra fans where needed, push fluids and Popsicles on residents and check patients for signs of heat stress at least six times a day.

This week's heat wave is likely to keep the pressure on state officials struggling to monitor a recently deregulated power system that has been pushed to its breaking point in recent months. No new power plants have been built in the state for at least a decade, despite California's explosive population growth.

``The problem we're facing is that demand has outstripped supply,'' Dorinson said. ``It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how many new homes and new businesses have sprung up. The state's economic growth is putting a serious strain on the system.''

http://www.mercurycenter.com/premium/local/docs/heatwave18.htm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 18, 2000

Answers

That's hard to believe. No new power plants in ten years.

-- Nancy7 (nancy7@hotmail.com), September 18, 2000.

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