California's statewide Flex Alert in effect through Wednesday

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The California Independent System Operator, which oversees the state's electrical grid, issued a statewide Flex Alert - a call for voluntary electricity conservation - from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7 due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies.

LIVE: Track real-time temps across Bay Area

"The conservation measures can help the power grid during a time of tight demand and supply, and avoid power interruptions. Energy reduction during a Flex Alert can prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages," California ISO says.

• Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees
• Turning off unnecessary lights
• Using large appliances like washers and dryers during off-peak hours
• Close blinds and drapes to keep rooms cool
• "Pre-cool" homes overnight so they don't need as much energy to cool during the day
• Use fans instead of AC when possible

More tips available here.

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• What's a Flex Alert?


• Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion: What's the difference and what are the symptoms?


• What everybody should know to help prevent hot car deaths


• Dry and secondary drowning: Hidden threats for swimmers


• Can you start a fire if you leave bottled water in your car?


• Can you bake cookies in a hot car?


• Facts and myths about sunscreen


• ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma shares scary heat exhaustion experience



• Lotion in the refrigerator and more hacks to keep cool without AC


• How hot summer weather affects your car


• Natural remedies for sunburn


• Heat hypothesis: The link between summer weather and aggressive behavior


• Tips to stay safe during the hot summer months


• Why it's harder to cool off in humidity