Southland grid can't cope with heatwave

Southern California's electricity supplies were precariously close to triggering rolling blackouts as tempertatures soared.

The West's deadly heat wave brought record temperatures and several power plant failures Thursday, triggering Southern California's first electricity supply emergency in more than two years and hinting at problems the region could face on sweltering days this summer.

Blackouts were threatened for a few hours Thursday afternoon as air conditioners kicked into high gear — setting power use records in the Southland — but utility customers largely escaped disruptions. Although state utilities expect to have enough electricity to meet demand today, the prospect of continued hot and humid weather prompted California power officials to urge energy conservation to avoid shortages.

Perhaps California should look at ways to build more generation to meet the energy demands!