Grid Operator Calls a Flex Alert for Friday, But Only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The California Independent System Operator called a flex alert for Friday, but only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. as the record heat wave begins to break.

The 10th-consecutive call for voluntary electricity conservation may be the last during this heat wave as Hurricane Kay changes the weather pattern and the region begins to cool.

High temperatures are forecast to drop 10 degrees or more across San Diego County by Saturday.

Friday’s alert is shorter than the 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. alerts issued on Wednesday and Thursday.

The forecast peak usage Friday is 44,735 megawatts as of 2 p.m. A megawatt is enough to power several thousand typical California homes.

By comparison, late Tuesday afternoon statewide electricity demand peaked at 52,061 megawatts, breaking the record of 50,270 megawatts set in 2006, according to Cal-ISO.