Energy & Science

California Tries to Avert More Blackouts With Heat Coming

Southern California power prices for Friday jump by most ever
Temperatures are forecast to reach 110 in Sacramento

California's Heat Crisis Shifts To Fires Raging Statewide — Photographer: Philip Pacheco/Bloomberg

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By Mark Chediak and Naureen S Malik

September 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM UTC

Updated on

September 3, 2020 at 9:28 PM UTC

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California asked residents to dial back their air conditioners this holiday weekend as the state tries to avoid a repeat of power shortages that weeks ago triggered the first rolling blackouts in 20 years.

Electricity for delivery Friday in Southern California jumped by the most on record ahead of a heat wave that’s expected to tax the power grid. Sacramento is forecast to hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Los Angeles could also reach 110.