Energy regulator issues Flex Alert for Wednesday evening

California's energy regulator has issued a state-wide Flex Alert due to anticipated energy use on Wednesday.

The Flex Alert issued by the California Independent State Operator (ISO) begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. Officials with California ISO say those hours are when energy use is expected to increase due to hot weather.

State officials say additional Flex Alerts could be issued from now until the end of the Labor Day holiday as hot weather leads to an increased demand for electrical energy.

During a Flex Alert, California residents are asked to raise their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher; avoid using appliances like dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers; and charge electronic devices and cars before 4 p.m. or wait until after 9 p.m.

"Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures," state regulators said in a statement, warning that rotating power outages are possible if energy use exceeds the state's supply.

For more information on Flex Alerts, click or tap here.