California Faces Heatwave, Urges Residents to Refrain from Charging Electric Vehicles

Power Usage Hits 5-Year High Amid 40°C+ Heatwave
Daily Record-Breaking Heat Continues
Los Angeles Issues Emergency Power Supply Alert

California is currently suffering from late summer heatwaves reaching 41 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit), threatening the power supply. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the agency overseeing the power grid in California, USA, has warned of deteriorating grid conditions amid record-breaking heatwaves and urged residents to minimize electricity usage this week. In particular, CAISO requested California residents to avoid using large appliances or charging electric vehicles (EVs) during peak hours from 4 PM to 9 PM.

According to Fox Business on the 5th (local time), CAISO issued a conservation alert for the fifth consecutive day, warning that a power shortage of 2,000 to 4,000 megawatts (MW) is expected, making rolling blackouts highly likely.

Elliott Mainzer, CEO of CAISO, which operates California’s power grid, stated, "Although there were no major blackouts during the recent Labor Day holiday, the fight to maintain power supply in California continues," and urged, "Please set indoor temperatures to 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) and refrain from unnecessary electricity use."

He further emphasized, "Please avoid using large appliances or charging electric vehicles (EVs) as much as possible during the high electricity usage period from 4 PM to 9 PM."

Mainzer’s request stems from California’s power supply structure. In recent years, California has reduced fossil fuel use for environmental reasons and rapidly transitioned to solar power systems. As a result, since 2021, California has become the state with the largest solar power generation capacity in the United States.

Therefore, Mainzer requested that residents maximize electricity use before 4 PM when solar power generation is sufficient.

As the record-breaking heatwave continues with temperatures reaching 43.4 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit), California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to secure additional power supply. Los Angeles, the largest city in the state, also issued a power supply emergency alert.

Criticism followed Governor Newsom and CAISO’s power restrictions.

Daniel Turner, founder of the California energy group Power Future, criticized, "California’s policies are out of touch with reality when it comes to establishing good energy policies."

He sarcastically remarked, "As temperatures soar, California residents have to turn off everyday appliances and air conditioners during long holiday periods. Welcome to the green utopia of President Joe Biden, Governor Gavin Newsom, and those who want an eco-friendly nation."

Meanwhile, the California state government announced environmental regulations at the end of August banning the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles after 2034. According to this announcement, all new car sales in 2035 must be electric vehicles.