Sweltering Bay Area Heat Putting Strain On Power Grid; Residents Urged To Conserve Energy

GILROY (CBS SF) -- Much of the Bay Area is about to broil again after temperatures soared as high as 106 degrees in Concord Tuesday.

The weather has California power grid operators calling for another "flex alert" Wednesday, urging residents to conserve power as temperatures peek into triple digits for a second day.

Residents should set their home air-conditioning to 78 or higher and are advised to not use major appliances between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. If we all do this, it could prevent from save 1,000 megawatts -- enough power for 1 million households.

California ISO offers some more tips to help conserve energy:

• Close Windows and Doors: Keep windows and doors closed during the heat of the day to prevent the loss of cooled air.
• Power Down Your Computer: Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off when not in use.
• Unplug Electronics: Unplug battery chargers, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.

MORE: Latest Weather Conditions

A heat advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday.