California battles wildfires and faces blackouts during a brutal heat wave
Triple-digit temperatures are expected as energy officials warn the electrical load on Tuesday could reach the state's highest demand ever. Four deaths were reported as multiple wildfires burned.
LOS ANGELES — California is facing its highest chance of blackouts this year as a brutal heat wave continues to blanket the state with triple-digit temperatures. State energy officials said the electrical load Tuesday afternoon could top 51,000 megawatts, the highest demand the state has ever seen.
As people crank up their air conditioners, the state forecasted record levels of energy use, said Elliot Mainzer, president of California Independent System Operators, which runs the state's electrical grid. The state
