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Statewide energy alert issued as California bakes in summer heat

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Sweltering temperatures across California prompted calls for residents statewide to reduce their energy use through 9 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

The so-called flex alert initiated by the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s electric grid for most of the state, was scheduled to run from 2 to 9 p.m.

Utility companies urged their residential customers to voluntarily delay washing clothes and dishes until bedtime and to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or higher.

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California ISO predicted peak energy usage would be between 4 and 6 p.m. and cautioned that high energy demands in other states would limit the availability of importing more power.

The state — particularly in Southern California — has been enduring more than a week of high summer temperatures. The heat combined with the fifth year of drought has sparked two major wildfires, one in the Santa Clarita Valley and a second in Central California north of Big Sur.

The two fires have burned more than 51,000 acres combined and killed two people.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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