Extreme Heat Continues to Blanket the West; High Electricity Demand Forecasted; Electricity Conservation is Key to Avoiding Curtailments

Business Wire, August 1, 2000

News Editors

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2000

The California Independent System Operator (California ISO) has declared Wednesday, August 2, 2000 a Power Watch Day, for the third consecutive day this week. A stubborn high-pressure system, stalled over the Western states for five days now, is keeping things hot and humid throughout the region. Wednesday's demand on the statewide electrical grid is expected to reach 45,723 megawatts. Today's peak demand on the system was 43,503 MW, the record peak of 45,884 MW was set on July 12, 1999.

It is imperative that Californians conserve as much energy as possible in order to avoid severe curtailment measures. A high level of residual heat build up, from five consecutive days of high temperatures, is requiring air conditioning systems to work long and hard to keep residents cool. At the same time, the supply of electricity is limited within the West because the record hot temperatures are pervasive across the region.

Information about the California ISO control area's electricity supply and the current demand is available on the web at www.caiso.com.

Power Watch 2000 is a public awareness campaign sponsored by the California ISO to communicate the current electricity resource outlook, in light of the rising demand for power in California. By providing regular updates on system conditions and peak demand forecasts, the California ISO hopes to convey the importance of using electricity wisely on days when electricity reserves may run low.

Incorporated under California law (AB 1890), the not-for-profit California ISO is chartered by the state to manage the flow of electricity along the long-distance, high-voltage power lines that make up the bulk of California's transmission system. Following restructuring of the state's electricity industry, the California ISO's mission is to keep the open market power grid in California reliable, safe, competitive and accessible. For questions relating to the status of the electrical distribution systems that carry electricity directly to homes and businesses, please contact your local utility.

Heat Wave Tips

-- Draw drapes

-- Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher

-- Cool with fans -- Use appliances in early morning or late at night

STAGE 1

Consumers are urged to reduce their use of electricity voluntarily to avoid more severe conditions.

STAGE 2

Voluntary interruption of service to select customers is required to avoid more severe conditions.

STAGE 3

Consumers are advised that involuntary interruptions of service have begun and will continue until the emergency has passed.