Natural gas shortage triggers call for power conservation in California

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Water pipes lead to the cooling system of a Natural gas energy generator in Maxwell, Calif. Nov. 15, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Rich Pedroncelli

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – California’s power grid operator has asked for voluntary conservation of power because the extreme cold in much of the United States and Canada has caused a shortage of natural gas supplies to Southern California power plants.

The California Independent System Operator issued a so-called Flex Alert until 10 p.m. Thursday.

The natural gas shortage is only impacting Southern California power plants, but authorities say statewide electricity and gas conservation will help free up both electricity and gas supplies.

Flex Alerts are usually associated with power demands for cooling during California summers.

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