California governor calls for investigation after triggering power outages

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Energy shortages led the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to issue a Level 3 emergency for the first time in 20 years on Friday and Saturday. High strain on the power grid forced customers to save as much energy as possible and some were subjected to rotating blackouts.

“These blackouts, which have occurred without warning or preparation time, are unacceptable and unacceptable for the country’s largest and most innovative state,” Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a letter to CAISO, the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission.

Newsom said he discovered the blackouts just “moments” before they started. Power grid operators have been “stuck on their feet, unable to avoid disruptive power outages and properly warn the public.”

“Collectively, energy regulators did not anticipate this event and did not take the necessary steps to ensure reliable power for Californians,” Newsom wrote. “It can’t hold.”

When CAISO released Saturday’s Stage 3 emergency, it cited the loss of a 470 megawatt power plant and a loss of almost 1,000 megawatts from wind power.
California and other states were the subject of an extreme heat warning over the weekend, and Newsom declared a state of emergency on Monday, citing “temperatures well above 100 degrees statewide “. The heat should continue for days.

The emergency measure frees energy by allowing utilities to use back-up energy sources to relieve pressure on the electricity grid.

Dozens of heat records set to be broken this week as Western heat wave continues

Newsom has asked the three organizations to provide updated forecasts of energy demand for the next few days and of any expected gaps between supply and demand.

Cooling centers are available in communities statewide, but capacity is limited due to social distancing protocols. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are showing symptoms are not allowed.

CAISO is a not-for-profit corporation that manages the flow of electricity produced and transmitted by its member utilities through the power grid that serves 80% of California and a small portion of Nevada.

CAISO urged Californians to reduce their energy use during peak hours, between 3 and 10 p.m. The company suggested ways to save energy, such as turning off unnecessary lights, closing your curtains, using fans and if your health permits, set the thermostat to 78 degrees.

CNN has reached out to CAISO, the state’s Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, and other utilities for comment.

CNN’s Theresa Waldrop contributed to this report.

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