The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Thursday approved a series of actions to reduce the risk of power outages during extreme heat events, including possible increased natural gas-fired generation from existing plants.

Following prolonged heat waves across the western United States in 2020 and 2021, the measures aim to reduce energy demand and increase supply during peak consumption hours.

CPUC is directing utilities Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), Southern California Edison Edison Co. (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric Co. (SDG&E) to procure a total of 2,000 to 3,000 MW of demand and supply-side resources for summers 2022 and 2023.

This includes 900-1,350 MW each for PG&E and SCE, and 200-300 MW for SDG&E, the regulator said.

“Existing...