Prepare for summer with opportunities to save energy

Last summer, an extended heat wave in California caused unprecedented high energy demand that threatened electricity outages across the state. During this period, several Flex Alerts were issued, and the corresponding actions taken by communities, residents, and businesses to reduce electricity use made the difference in keeping California powered.

Flex Alerts are voluntary calls for action from CAISO (California Independent System Operator) for consumers to conserve electricity when extremely hot weather drives up electricity use. This is most likely to happen in the evening hours when solar generation is going offline, and consumers are returning home and switching on air conditioners, lights, and appliances.

CPA shares CAISO Flex Alert updates and conservation information through our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, as well as on our website, cleanpoweralliance.org.

In addition to sharing alerts and energy saving tips, CPA also has programs for residential and commercial customers that not only support the collective effort to lessen energy use during critical periods but can save customers money on their bills as well.

CPA’s Power Response Program is a demand response program that provides financial incentives to encourage customers to reduce energy when periods of high use are expected to put strain on the grid. The program features pathways for residents, businesses and public sector entities to participate. Customers can find the program that’s right for them here.

To save energy and protect the grid during periods of extraordinary heat, the following practices help:

Turn off unnecessary electronics and lights
Use fans instead of running the air conditioner
If using the air conditioner set it to 78 degrees or higher
Unplug electrical devices you’re not using
Close blinds and drapes to keep rooms cooler
Avoid using major appliances such as dishwashers, washers and dryers
Wait to start charging electric vehicles until after 10 p.m.
If your water heater is electric, delay running hot water or hot showers

To sign up to receive Flex Alerts and for additional energy conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org.

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) was founded in 2017 to provide clean, reliable, cost competitive electricity to Southern California communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate local renewable energy development and job creation, and offer programs that improve the lives of the residents in the communities we serve. CPA is now the fourth largest electricity provider in California and has the most customers receiving 100% renewable energy in the nation, while serving approximately three million people via one million customer accounts. To learn more, view CPA’s 2022 Impact Report. For complete information regarding CPA visit www.cleanpoweralliance.org.

Anthony Boukarim

Anthony Boukarim serves as Resource Planner, Power Supply, supporting long-term resource planning, portfolio optimization, and procurement strategy to advance CPA’s clean energy, reliability, and affordability objectives. He brings more than a decade of experience in the energy sector, spanning management consulting and advanced energy analytics, with deep expertise supporting utilities and community choice aggregators. Prior to joining CPA, Anthony spent six years at Ascend Analytics, where he led firm-wide renewable energy and storage procurement initiatives. He holds a Master of Science in Energy Resources Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Beirut.

Kim Dunham

Kim joins Clean Power Alliance as the Senior Analyst, Rates and Tariffs. Kim is responsible for developing and maintaining CPA’s cost of service and rate models to evaluate the financial, competitiveness, and customer impacts of rate design and rate setting options. Kim held financial, strategy, and planning roles across utilities, consulting, and the energy sector, including roles with Black Hills Energy, Marathon Oil, and Noble Energy. This cross-sector background gives her a broad view of how financial modeling, regulatory strategy, and capital planning intersect to support growth, reliability, and environmental responsibility. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Wyoming.

Mark Hum

Mark Hum serves as Senior Associate, Communications and Marketing at Clean Power Alliance. He is a marketing and communications strategist with a background in medtech and life sciences, where he supported initiatives spanning multiple industries across both B2B and consumer-facing brands. His work is grounded in a copywriter’s mindset, starting with audience needs and translating complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and understanding. Mark has led integrated communications across digital, social, email, web, and stakeholder channels, with an emphasis on accessibility, consistency, and measurable impact. He brings a strong appreciation for structure and narrative, ensuring that every message serves a purpose and connects with people in a meaningful way. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Pom Saengxuto

Prapassara “Pom” Saengxuto serves as Finance and Accounting Analyst at CPA. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of industries, including public accounting, private corporations, entertainment, manufacturing, consulting and construction. This diverse background allows her to bring a well-rounded and practical perspective to every engagement. Pom is known for her strong dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy. She works effectively both independently and as part of a team, consistently supporting organizations in making informed, strategic financial decisions. Her approach combines technical expertise with a deep sense of responsibility and professionalism.