GOV NEWSOM WARNS OF MORE POWER OUTAGES

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gov. Gavin Newsom held a news conference Monday in which he discussed the latest on the state's heatwave and the coronavirus pandemic.

Amid blistering temperatures that prompted rolling blackouts in California over the weekend, Newsom signed an emergency proclamation that temporarily allows some energy users and utilities to use backup energy sources to relieve pressure on the grid during peak times.

KCRA # News reported that Newsom warned that customers could again lose power this week as spiking temperatures strain the state's power grid.

The California Independent System Operator, which monitors the state’s electricity needs and power grid capabilities, issued a statewide Flex Alert, asking consumers to conserve electricity Sunday through Wednesday especially between the hours of 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

California ISO enacted rolling blackouts Friday evening, which was a first for the state since 2001. Blackouts were ordered again Saturday evening as temperatures reached 111 degrees in Sacramento.

Cal ISO Chair Steve Berberich said Monday "it is near certain" that utilities will have to cut off power to "millions" of people this week.

On Sunday, Newsom convened an all-hands meeting with California ISO, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and senior administration officials.

Newsom is also calling for an investigation into the service disruptions that happened over the weekend.

"These blackouts, which occurred without prior warning or enough time for preparation, are unacceptable and unbefitting of the nation’s largest and most innovative state,” Newsom said in a letter. “Residents, communities and other governmental organizations did not receive sufficient warning that these de-energizations could occur. Collectively, energy regulators failed to anticipate this event and to take necessary actions to ensure reliable power to Californians. This cannot stand. California residents and businesses deserve better from their government.”