SIMIC

Governor Gavin Newsome issued a new emergency proclamation aimed at preserving power capacity that gives vessel operators flexibility not to plug into on-dock electric power stations.

Vessels berthed between September 3 and September 7 won't be required to use shore power until the following week.

Current regulations require 80 per cent of container, cruise, and refrigerated vessels that call at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland to use shore power.

"As good corporate citizens, we anticipate that many of our member vessels will participate as requested by Governor Newsom," said Pacific Maritime Shipping Association vice president Mike Jacob.

The governor's executive order declared that arriving vessels can temporarily use auxiliary engines to power onboard systems.

Mr Newsom asked several elements in the California economy to reduce power use during the heat event.

Temperatures are intensifying and expected to be 10 to 20 degrees warmer than usual through the middle of the week, increasing demand for air conditioning and straining the electric grid.

"The duration of this heat wave is unlike those experienced in recent history, increasing the length of time the grid will face peak demand," said Mr Newsom.