With excessive heat in the forecast across much of California, grid operators expect high electricity demand. They are calling for voluntary electricity conservation steps to help balance supply and demand. Flex Alerts and potential rotating block outages - also known as rolling blackouts - are possible through the Labor Day Weekend. The potential outages are usually short in duration, lasting 2 to 4 hours.

To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are encouraged to pre-cool their homes, and use major appliances, charge electric vehicles and electronic devices before 4 p.m., when conservation becomes most critical.

For relief from the heat, the City of Santa Rosa’s Cooling Center located at Finley Community Center (2060 W College Ave.) will be open Saturday (9/3), Sunday (9/4), and Monday (9/5) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Outside of the official Cooling Center operations, Finley and Steele Lane community centers are open Monday through Friday for residents to find relief from the hot daytime temperatures. Hours of operation for each facility are as follows: Finley Community Center: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Steele Lane Community Center: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Resources:
Flex Alert for Sept. 1
Latest updates on flex alerts
More info about Santa Rosa’s Cooling Center