Power outage hits 3,000 homes in Laguna Beach

Southern California Edison, which supplies the bulk of the region’s electricity, reported a power outage across much of Laguna Beach amid record-breaking heat on Monday, Sept. 5.

The outage was reported at 1:08 p.m. Monday. Though 4,215 homes were initially affected by the outage, according to SCE’s power outage database, that number dropped to 3,432 at 3 p.m.

By 4:20 p.m., the number of impacted residents dropped again to 15 total.

“We have been able to restore service to the other customers,” said Gabriela Ornelas, Edison’s media relations adviser. SCE estimates that the remaining repairs will be completed around 6 p.m. this evening.

The cause of the outage, though, is still under investigation.

The news came just hours after California officials declared a power grid emergency, as the blistering heatwave threatens to overload the state’s electricity system beyond its capacity.

“Rotating outages are a possibility today (Monday),” said Elliot Mainzer, chief executive officer of the California Independent System Operator, which runs the state’s power grid, at a press conference Monday morning. The CEO encouraged residents to conserve as much power as possible to help prevent a systemwide power grid failure.

Though Ornelas said SCE is unable to confirm whether the ongoing heatwave had any impact on the Laguna Beach outage until their investigation is completed, the company has “seen outages due to the weather” in the past.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning throughout Orange County’s coastal areas, including Laguna Beach, on Sept. 5. Temperatures are expected to reach high up to 95 degrees through Friday, NWS said.

“The heat will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” NWS said.

OC COOLING CENTERS-A map and complete list of Cooling Centers can be found here https://t.co/Yuw30mv4Fb. Please share with anyone who may be in need of a place to stay cool during this heat event. https://t.co/cD58EszvNa

— OC Sheriff, CA (@OCSheriff) September 1, 2022

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Laguna Beach public health officials opened several cooling locations for residents most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses ahead of the heat wave’s most blistering days.

Those without power can visit the Laguna Beach Library, located at 363 Glenneyre Street, to avoid overexposure to the high temperatures. That site is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A full list of cooling centers in Laguna Beach is available on the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website, here.

Source: Orange County Register