High temps prompt Flex Alert, residents urged to conserve energy

High temperatures and high energy demand in California has prompted a call for energy conservation Tuesday by the California Independent System Operator Corporation, which helps maintain power in the state.

The corporation has issued a Flex Alert to ask people to voluntarily conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Residents and visitors are urged to set their thermostat at 78 degrees or higher and turn it off when away. People are asked to cool with fans and drapes, turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and use larger appliances in the morning or late in the evening.