California power grid 'on the edge', prices trade near $600/MWh in heat wave

摘要

California Independent System Operator wholesale power prices spiked near $600/MWh Aug. 17, with load forecast to reach the highest level in nearly two years later in the day as the state faces the potential for additional rotating power outages for the first time since 2001. A statewide flex alert, which urges consumers to voluntarily conserve energy when power demand could outstrip supply, has been extended to Aug. 16-19 for the hours between 3 pm PT (2200 GMT) and 10 pm PT due to a heat wave.