Californians were ordered not to charge their electric cars on Wednesday, so as not to further strain the aging power grid, which was fueled by a feared heat wave. A paradox for some, when the state announced last week that it would ban the sale of new petrol cars from 2035.
The sweltering weather is expected to put pressure on the already overburdened power grid, especially during the hottest hours, when air conditioning systems – essential in the United States – run at full blast.
“Consumers are urged to reduce their energy use between 4pm and 9pm, when the system is most energized, as demand remains high and less solar energy is available,” the statement said. American Public Power Association, an organization representing public utilities.
Dilapidated infrastructure
The three most important recommended measures: set the thermostat to 25°C or higher, avoid using large appliances and charging electric vehicles, and turn off unnecessary lights, according to the organization.
Electricity is a sensitive subject for the state, whose infrastructure is in disrepair. Electricity companies regularly ask households to limit their consumption during certain hours when the heat causes the solar panels to stop producing electricity while demand remains high.
But the call not to charge your electric car has been widely mocked on social networks, at a time when the state is promoting this type of vehicle. “California just made electric vehicles mandatory AND is asking residents not to charge them between 4pm and 9pm? Republican Senator Tom Cotton joked on Twitter.
On Thursday, California authorities announced that new cars sold must be zero-emission by 2035.
The decision was seen as a watershed moment for the electric vehicle industry, with California representing an important automotive market and potentially affecting national or international standards.
Dangerously high temperatures
The US Weather Service (NWS) has issued an “excessive heat” warning for most of California, as well as parts of Arizona and Nevada.
“Dangerously hot temperatures are expected until Sunday evening,” the weather service warned of the health risks of the heat wave. “Those who do not have access to adequate and reliable air conditioning and a source of hydration are most at risk, but a large segment of the population is likely to be affected. »
The night will bring little rest, with temperatures not dropping below 26°C in many places.
In Southern California, September heat waves are not uncommon, but temperatures above 37°C are considered very hot, even for an area known for near-permanent sunshine.
Entire parts of the southwest ravaged by severe thunderstorms
This heat wave is because large parts of the southwest of the country have recently been hit by thunderstorms of rare intensity and torrential rain.
Scientists have been warning for years about the consequences of global warming, caused in particular by the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, which are now visible to millions of people.
Heat waves are becoming more extreme, while storms that were once rare weather events are becoming more intense and frequent.
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