To prevent power outages, California seeks reductions in power usage 12 Jul 2021, 10:29 GMT+10 LOS ANGELES, California: California power officials have asked consumers to use less electricity, in a bid to prevent the imposition of blackouts. California officials issued a "flex" alert, asking Californians to conserve energy nightly from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., fearing the high demand during the ongoing extreme heat could trigger a shortfall in the state's electric grid. If the grid is unable to meet power requirements, the California Independent System, which operates the grid, said in a statement that it could order utilities to begin carrying out power outages to residents, "although that is not anticipated at this time."