Power grid security

Heat wave raises worries about power outages

The heat wave that's blistering San Diego isn't just sending temperatures higher. It's also raising anxieties about the chances of rotating power outages across Southern California.

"That is still a concern of ours but we do have protocols in place to mitigate those impacts," said Steven Greenlee, senior public information officer for California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which oversees the operation of the state's electric power system, transmission lines and electricity market by utilities.

Much of San Diego County remained under an excessive heat warning Monday, which the National Weather Service said included valleys, mountains and deserts through Thursday evening.

"Demand is going up and we need more natural gas in the region in order to meet all the demand from air conditioning that's trying to keep people cool in the face of some really hot temperatures," Greenlee told the Union-Tribune.