When Texas experienced the possibility of rolling blackouts during a July heat wave that scorched the Lone Star state, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Ca.) went to social media to attack Texas pro-life laws. The lawmaker connected his remarks to the power problems writing, “Texas. Where Republicans provide plenty of energy to control your body, but no energy to control your thermostat.”
Texas. Where Republicans provide plenty of energy to control your body, but no energy to control your thermostat. https://t.co/J8drhYbVC7
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 11, 2022
On Tuesday, Swalwell reminded residents of the Golden State to reduce energy consumption to avoid blackouts. Again, going to Twitter, Swalwell wrote, “It’s time to rally, California! We all need to do our part to help avoid power outages this week. Before 4 p.m., pre-cool your home. After 4 p.m., avoid use of major appliances and turn your thermostat to 78 or higher. Let’s keep the lights on, California.”
It’s time to rally, California!
We all need to do our part to help avoid power outages this week.
Before 4pm, pre-cool your home. After 4pm, avoid use of major appliances and turn your thermostat to 78 or higher.
Let’s keep the lights on, California.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 6, 2022
However, Tuesday evening, the California Independent System Operator narrowly escaped imposing rolling blackouts while residents experienced electrical service interruptions. Indeed, the western portion of the U.S. has experienced record high temperatures and “dangerous heat” warnings from the National Weather Service over the last week.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also reminded residents to conserve in a tweeted video on Tuesday.
CA is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. This will be the hottest & longest on record for September.
Our energy grid is being pushed to its max. The risk of outages is real.
We need everyone to double down to save energy after 4pm today.pic.twitter.com/6QWozS0pyp
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 6, 2022
According to reports, California also was prepared to close the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant amid the power problems. Instead, after a warning from Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and other officials, the California legislature voted to extend the facility’s life span by another five years. The 37-year-old power plant is responsible for 8% of overall energy and 17% of carbon-free energy in the state.
