California’s power grid operator called for a second day of voluntary energy conservation and the governor declared an emergency as much of the state sweltered under a heat wave that has baked the U.S. West. Palms Springs tied a record for the hottest day ever at 123, 29 Palms came in at 119. The California Independent System Operator has issued a Flex Alert for 6 to 9 p.m. today (Friday, June 18) to “reduce stress on the power grid due to extreme heat.” The alert was already in place from 5 to 10 p.m. yesterday. Gov. Newsom signed an emergency proclamation allowing power plants to ramp up operations if necessary to meet the demand for electricity.
