San Francisco International Airport outlines support California grid emergency flex alerts

Airport will voluntarily reduce electricity use during anticipated energy shortages

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) outlined its energy conservation plans to support Flex Alerts, which are typically issued when extremely hot weather drives up electricity use, making the available power supply scarce. Flex Alerts are usually issued from 16:00 to 21:00, when consumers are using air conditioners, lights, and appliances.

When a Flex Alert is issued, SFO may implement any or all of the following measures:

• The AirTrain people mover may reduce the frequency of service from every 4 minutes to every 8 minutes. Travellers are recommended to allow extra time during any Flex Alert periods.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers in all SFO Parking Garages may be temporary deactivated. Travellers are asked to plan accordingly if parking during a Flex Alert.
• Airport cooling may be adjusted to reduce electricity usage. Travellers should prepare for slightly warmer terminals during a Flex Alert.
• Airport lighting may be reduced throughout terminals. Travellers should plan accordingly.

SFO expects to receive 24 hours advance notice of any Flex Alert and anticipates the Flex Alert timeframe will be from 16:00 to 21:00.