Labor Day Weekend is coming, and California is seeing an unprecedented heat wave for the state throughout the end of the week, advising electric vehicle drivers to avoid charging their cars beyond 4 PM. The Flex Alert from the state calls upon its residents and visitors that use clean energy cars, especially as significant strains on its power grid are already a problem. 

Labor Day Weekend: California Asks EV Owners to Avoid Charging on Peak Hours

(Photo : Unsplash/Ernest Ojeh)
EV charging

A Flex Alert is asking California residents to avoid charging electric vehicles past 4 PM until 9 PM daily, and it extends from Thursday, September 1, until the end of the Labor Day weekend. It also calls upon the residents to refrain from using high-power appliances at home during these times, including that ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, further asking for residents to turn off lights that are not in use. 

California is asking its residents to help its power management by limiting their use of electrical appliances and technology. It is a trying time for California now, especially as it is experiencing a significant summer season resulting in droughts in several areas. 

Of course, the use of electrical appliances to help with comfort during these times is unavoidable, especially with the use of EVs that residents in the state have already transitioned to in preparation for its switch. 

Read Also: Gas May Cost $6.20 Per Gallon in the Several States This Summer

California Heat Wave Already Strains Grids on Power Use

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) said that it manages the flow of electricity in high-voltage long-distance transmission lines and delivers power to the state's three investor-owned utilities. The organization is asking for cooperation from the public to avoid further strain on its power grids, especially now that it is experiencing its hottest weather of the season, brought by heat waves.

California and its Electric Use

California is one of the earliest states to adopt electric vehicles, focusing on all-electric mobility by 2030 and phasing out gas-powered cars by 2035. The clean energy transition for the Golden State is a noteworthy change for its mobility, especially as it is home to a significant car scene in the country, now one of the fastest transitions to electric vehicles. 

Still, the state is infamously known for suffering a severe case of drought during summertime, and that is what its entirety sees now, especially with the peak of the season. Californian residents are currently looking into buying air-to-water technology that would help in providing water to their households as the drought reigns over the state. 

Summer is the double-edged blade for Californians as it gives them an excellent time to frolic in the Sun and enjoy the weather without any interruptions. However, it also presents push residents to use cooling technology to the maximum, with electrical appliances often being overworked to provide comfort. 

EV use is affected here, especially with its strain on the power grid, which the state already asks for among its residents.

Related Article: California Passes New Policy That Will Phase Out Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035

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Written by Isaiah Richard