Power Supply Limitations Continue as Stage Three is Extended; California ISO Calls for Continued Energy Conservation

Business Wire, Feb 7, 2001

News Editors/Energy Writers

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2001

The California Independent System Operator (California ISO) has declared tomorrow, Thursday, February 8th a Power Watch Day. Tomorrow will also be the state's 24th consecutive day of a Stage Three Electrical Emergency, with operating reserves remaining at or near 1.5%.

The California ISO requests that residents of the state curtail their use of electricity whenever possible. Increased conservation efforts during the peak usage hours of 5-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. are important. Thursday's peak demand on the ISO-controlled Grid is expected to reach 30,493 megawatts at approximately 6 p.m.

Power Watch 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.

Information about the California ISO control area's electricity supply and the current demand is available on the web at www.caiso.com. For questions relating to the electrical distribution systems that carry electricity directly to homes and businesses, please contact your local utility.

                  Energy Conservation Tips for Winter

      --  Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees; lower at night and when
        not at home
      --  Minimize power usage during peak hours of 5-9 a.m. and 4-7
        p.m.
      --  Curb hot water usage
      --  Turn off lights, computers, and other electronics when not in
        use

                               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 rotating outages are possible.