UPDATE: Heat Wave Sparks Statewide Flex Alert

With temperatures continuing to climb, The California Independent System Operator has issued a Flex Alert effective 9 a.m. today, that will continue through 6 p.m. Friday evening.

Erin Johnson of ISO told Patch Friday afternoon that as a result of people effectively conserving energy, the alert for Saturday and Sunday had been cancelled.

Residents are encouraged to close the curtains and turn off air conditioners as much as possible this weekend, in order to help avoid rotating power outages while the temperatures rise.

The alert is the first step in reducing the demands on the electricity system to avoid the potential for rotating outages.

Officials say the alert was sparked by the heat wave smothering Southern California and in part to with the .

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for several cities around Los Angeles County, and Orange County continues to heat up too, with highs in the mid to upper 90s expected to continue inland through Sunday.

Temperatures reached the 90s on Thursday in Lake Forest, and the forecast calls for more hot weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Here's how you can help conserve some energy:

• Set your thermostat to 78 or higher, and turn it off when you are not home
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Use major appliances after 6 p.m.
• Cool with fans and close the curtains to help keep the heat out
• Turn off the computer monitor when you're away from your desk
• Turn off lights when you leave the room
• Switch off half the overhead lights