Natural Gas Shortage Prompts Statewide Flex Alert

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert Thursday in wake of a natural gas shortage.

Cal ISO, which manages the state's power grid, called for residents to conserve electricity between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. after extreme cold weather in much of the United States and Canada has caused a shortage of natural gas.

"While the natural gas shortage is only impacting Southern California power plants, statewide electricity and gas conservation will help free up both electricity and gas supplies for Southern Californians," officials said in a statement.

"This is unusual. I mean, but natural gas is what is burned in power plants to turn the turbines and to make electricity," Steven Conroy of Southern California Edison said.

Conroy said he doesn't know what the specific constraints are that are affecting the energy supply.

"What is clear to us is to ask our customers to conserve electricity now, and through the remaining day," he said.

For tips on conserving energy, click here.