Millions of users in California may be cut off

China News Agency, San Francisco, August 17 (Xinhua) California electric power dispatching center chief warned on the 17th local time that the power shortage caused by extreme high temperature still exists in California, and millions of users may be cut off on the 17th and 18th. < p > < p > < p > < p > < p > the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the US Pacific natural gas and power company said in a statement that the extreme high temperature is expected to last at least 20 days, and the night temperature will also be higher than average, which will lead to an increase in energy demand. Steve Berberich, chief executive of the California power dispatching center, said energy demand could “significantly exceed supply” in the next few days. The Los Angeles Times cited a broader line of California officials that could affect more than 3 million people. The power dispatching center called on all Californians to save energy from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. from the 17th to the 19th. California governor Gavin Newsom said on the 17th that California’s energy shortage is increasing, and the state government is trying to increase power generation and reduce energy output to other states. Over the next three days, California will also use more backup generators to increase power generation. Even so, he said, California may not be able to meet its goals. He warned that the next three days would be “very challenging”. < / P > < p > Berberich admitted that the dispatch center could and should have issued more warnings in advance, and they did not inform the public sector in a timely and sufficient manner. Berberich apologized to grid managers for “not doing more,” but said the dispatch center had repeatedly warned California regulators that potential energy shortages were imminent and more power purchase contracts should be signed. However, this proposal was rejected. < / P > < p > Newsom told the energy regulator: “these blackouts occur without prior warning or sufficient preparation time and are not acceptable.” “We have not been able to predict and prepare for these shortages,” he said at a news conference on the 17th. People should have been told earlier, and that’s what this survey is all about. ” However, another warning is expected to take effect on the 18th, although a rotating blackout, which is expected to affect millions of people, did not come, according to the evening news of mercury in San Jose on the 17th. The California power dispatching center says efforts to protect the state’s electricity appear to be working, easing the immediate crisis. But the center warned that California could face the largest power outage in history amid record heat. (end)