Power Demand Sets Record

California’s power-grid operator said electricity demand rose to a record Wednesday as hot weather increased the use of air conditioners.

Officials with the Independent System Operator, which oversees much of California’s power grid, said Wednesday’s peak use was 44,872 megawatts, breaking the record set Tuesday. That figure doesn’t include electricity used in Los Angeles and Sacramento, which have their own systems.

No blackouts were expected because there was enough power-plant capacity to meet demand, said Lori O’Donley, a spokeswoman for the California ISO.

“We’re not in any danger of blackouts,” O’Donley said.

There was also no need to declare a power alert, which happens when electricity reserves fall below 7%.

Unusually hot weather, combined with demand from new housing and industry as the state’s economy grows, may lead to more records this summer, O’Donley said. Demand was forecast to peak Wednesday at 46,207 megawatts.

Some of the higher demand can be attributed to the state’s rebounding economy, she said, which is “another reason to remind people to get in the habit of conserving electricity.”

The ISO recommends delaying the use of heavy household appliances, such as dishwashers and clothes washers and dryers, and setting the air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher.