Leaders.com
  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
  • Master Classes
  • Business
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Executives
    • Marketing and Sales
    • Social Media
    • Innovation
    • Women in Business
  • Leadership
    • Personal Growth
    • Company Culture
    • Public Speaking
    • Productivity
    • Hiring
    • Social Issues
    • Leaders
  • Wealth
    • Investing
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Retirement
    • Venture Capital
    • Loans and Borrowing
    • Taxes
    • Markets
    • Real Estate
  • Master Classes
Business Californians dealing with heat

Triple digit heat waves add pressure to California's power grid, threatening blackouts. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

By Hannah Bryan Leaders Staff

Hannah Bryan

News Writer

Hannah Bryan is a news writer for Leaders Media. Most recently she was a reporter for the Sanilac County News...

Full bio


Learn about our editorial policy

Sep 8, 2022

California’s Dealing With Heat

Triple-digit heat waves threaten California with massive power outages.

Key details
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced earlier that the heatwave is expected to be the longest and hottest on record for September. He asked Californians to conserve energy as much as possible. 

Sacramento has had more than 40 days of at least 100-degree heat, according to NPR. 

The California Independent System Operator (ISO)  issued a warning to residents on Tuesday that energy deficiencies were expected as the heat wave reached its peak. 

Sacramento reached 116 degrees on Tuesday. The National Weather Service announced an excessive heat warning for the entire week in many parts of California, expecting temperatures to remain in the triple digits. Death Valley could potentially reach 125 degrees. 

Last week, officials began asking residents to conserve energy. The state barely avoided blackouts on Monday as Californians used a record-breaking amount of energy, according to the California ISO. On Monday the California ISO asked residents to conserve two to three times more energy to avoid outages.

If conditions worsen, the California ISO may ask that some utilities be temporarily shut off.

Why it’s news
Since the Golden State relies heavily on renewable energy sources, some look at the state’s current predicament as a test for renewable energy.

Solar energy is one of the predominant energy sources in the state, which poses a problem after sunset. Droughts have cut the amount of hydroelectric energy California once produced. Now the state imports electricity from surrounding states when needed. 

Excess energy from solar power can be stored in batteries, but even this power source is beginning to run low for Californians. 

The heat wave also poses a fire risk for California. Some parts of California have already had their power supply cut to minimize the risk of fires. 

Backing up a bit
This isn’t the first time California has suffered power outages. In 2020, similar heat waves caused rolling blackouts in the state. Around 800,000 homes were affected for 2.5 hours. 

Anticipating similar blackout risks this summer, Californian officials decided to keep the state’s lone nuclear power plant online. It produced 9% of the state’s electricity.

Though the state is notoriously pro renewable energy, until recently its view of nuclear power was generally negative. However, like many others, Californians have begun reconsidering nuclear options. 

Demand for electricity went up 6% last year, according to The New York Times. With increasing demand, countries have been looking to get a little more creative with their energy solutions. 

Nuclear energy could potentially fill the gap as a carbon free energy source, providing the necessary energy while renewables catch up to the demand.

Surprising statistic
The power grid is under the most pressure from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During this time, the California ISO asked residents to cut back on energy use significantly, including not using lights or major appliances, setting thermostats to 78 degrees, and not charging electric vehicles.

Home / News / California’s Dealing With Heat
Share
FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Related Stories

Seattle Takes The Crown For Advanced Tech Talent

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Tech

Oct 24, 2023

Seattle tech talent

Seattle has emerged as the metro area with the most advanced tech talent, beating out tech hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Key Details

  • According to a new ranking by the Burning Glass Institute, Seattle has the highest proportion of advanced tech workers compared to other cities with similarly sized tech workforces.
  • The ranking evaluated 60 million high-paying, in-demand tech job postings and histories to identify cities with cutting-edge roles like AI and cybersecurity rather than legacy tech positions.
  • With tech giants Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in Seattle, the city edged out the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Austin, and Raleigh on the list.
  • The report found that demand for software developers and IT support specialists has declined over the past five years as companies seek more specialized tech talent.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

More Americans Can’t Keep Up With Car Payments

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
Loans and Borrowing

Oct 23, 2023

car loans, used cars

A record number of Americans are behind on their car loan payments as higher interest rates and prices weigh on consumers.

Key Details

  • According to data from Fitch Ratings, 6.11% of car loans were at least 60 days delinquent in September, the highest since tracking began in the early 2000s.
  • Some interest rates on used cars can rise to as much as 21%, according to Bankrate.
  • Soaring prices and rising interest rates are squeezing consumers, making it difficult for some to keep up with their auto loans.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Chevron Makes $53 Billion Deal Amid Surging Gas Prices

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Markets

Oct 23, 2023

Chevron Gas Deal

Chevron is acquiring Hess Corp. for $53 billion, the second significant oil producer acquisition this month as crude prices climb.

Key Details

  • Chevron is purchasing Hess in an all-cash deal worth $53 billion, including debt and preferred stock redemption.
  • This comes just weeks after ExxonMobil announced its $59.5 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources.
  • With oil over $80 per barrel, major producers are using their windfall profits to acquire smaller players and boost payouts to shareholders.
  • Chevron expects the deal to close in H1 2023 pending regulatory approvals and Hess shareholder vote.
  • Hess CEO John Hess will join Chevron's board once the acquisition is complete.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn
nike logo
Company Culture

Oct 20, 2023

Nike to Require More In-Office Days From Employees

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
blue collar workers
Retirement

Oct 20, 2023

Explaining The ‘C+ Grade’ Retirement Ecosystem in The United States

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
netflix building
Entertainment

Oct 19, 2023

Netflix Hiking Prices While Adding Millions of Subscribers

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff

Recent Articles

Hiring

Nov 1, 2023

Learn the Winning Answers to the Most Common Phone Interview Questions

Come to your next phone interview fully prepared

Personal Growth

Oct 30, 2023

85 Quotes on Self-Love to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Don’t fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism

Company Culture

Oct 27, 2023

What is a Sabbatical? Your Ticket to Restful Growth and Meaning

Sabbaticals can benefits both employees and businesses

  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
Join the Leaders Community

Get exclusive tools and resources you need to grow as a leader and scale a purpose-driven business.

Subscribing indicates your consent to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Leaders.com
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Member Login

© 2025 Leaders.com - All rights reserved.

Search Leaders.com