A heat dome over the American West is pushing California on high alert. In this State with its dilapidated electrical infrastructure, the hours of high consumption are particularly feared. The authorities have in particular asked not to recharge electric vehicles.
“Consumers are urged to reduce their energy use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the system is most energized, as demand remains high and there is less solar power available,” the agency said. American Public Power Association (APPA), an organization that represents public utilities. A message relayed by the Democratic Governor of the State Gavin Newsom.
The sweltering weather is expected to put pressure on an already strained power grid, especially during the hottest hours, when air conditioning systems – essential in the United States – are running at full speed. Electricity is a sensitive subject in this state, whose infrastructure is dilapidated.
As temperatures reaching 44 degrees are expected in suburban Los Angeles, authorities have joined power companies in regularly asking homes to limit consumption during certain hours when solar panels stop producing electricity. electricity while demand remains high due to the heat.
Mockery around electric cars
Three main measures were therefore recommended: set the thermostat to no more than 25 degrees, turn off unnecessary lights and avoid using large appliances and charging electric vehicles, said APPA.
But this last measure has been widely mocked on social networks, while the state highlights this type of vehicle: last week, California announced to ban the sale of new gasoline cars from 2035.
>> “California just made electric vehicles mandatory AND asks residents not to charge them between 4 and 9 p.m.? Mandating electric cars may work for the wealthy, but not for everyone else.”
The decision of the Californian authorities had been seen as a turning point for the electric car industry, California representing an important market in this sector which might influence national or international standards.
afp/jop
