California’s power grid is warning that the heatwave will boost demand for electricity

California’s Independent Grid Operator (ISO) warned of high temperatures and increased power consumption in the coming week as the grid operator prepares to work in difficult conditions to ensure adequate supply.

In a statement released on Saturday, the ISO said it was closely monitoring the power grid as widespread heatwaves could cause supply disruptions and resources were tight in several Western states.

According to ISO, the energy supply is sufficient to cover demand.

However, if weather or grid conditions deteriorate, emergency alerts may be issued to secure additional resources and prepare for potential bottlenecks and savings.

The operator could also issue a flex alert urging consumers to reduce electricity consumption on some days in the late afternoon and evening.

Current demand was 35,472 megawatts in California as of Sunday night, compared to available capacity of 43,873 MW, the ISO website showed.

California’s northern interior could see temperatures of 98 to 108 degrees Monday through Wednesday, while the desert southwest could see highs of 105 to 118 degrees Tuesday through Friday — 5 to 15 degrees hotter than usual in mid-August, ISO said.