Conservation Works! More Conservation Needed as Peak Demand Skyrockets to Critical Point Monday

Business Wire, July 24, 2006

FOLSOM, Calif. -- The electricity demand experienced within the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) control area Friday and Saturday demonstrates tremendous growth in the demand for electricity -- the amount of growth forecasted to appear five years from now. Friday's peak of 49,036 megawatts set a new record for electricity usage for the state, breaking the old record by 2,500 MWs.

Thus far, the California ISO has served this record demand, but it has been with some difficulty and challenges. The amount of conservation received during the peak periods has been making a tremendous difference and the ISO wants to express its appreciation. However additional conservation is critical for Monday if the ISO and the state's utilities are to continue service. If Californians do not step up their conservation efforts tomorrow considerably, rotating outages are possible.

24-Hour Ahead Outlook for Monday July 24
               ----------------------------------------
               California ISO Continues Power Watch Day

    With the return of the workweek, business and commercial buildings
    that have been closed through the weekend will be open again and
    consuming electricity. The California ISO is expecting very high
    demand and additional conservation must be received Monday
    afternoon to ensure there is enough electricity to avoid the
    possibility of rotating outages.

    --  Stage 1: Likely     Stage 2: Likely      Stage 3: Possible

    --  Forecast peak demand: 52,000 megawatts around 4:00 p.m.

Please monitor the California ISO website at www.caiso.com for updated information about the electricity supply. The Systems Condition page provides the current demand on the Grid and an hour-by-hour forecast of the day's electrical surplus/shortfall is available in Today's Outlook.

This advisory is based on the best data available at the time of its release. Grid conditions can change rapidly and are subject to change without warning. This forecast is accepted by the recipient on the condition that errors, omissions and/or changes to the contents shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause of action against the California ISO.

Stage 1 Emergency
                           -----------------
                        Consumers are urged to
                          reduce their use of
                      electricity voluntarily to
                       avoid severe conditions.

                           Stage 2 Emergency
                           -----------------
                       Voluntary interruption of
                      service to select customers
                       is possible to avoid more
                          severe conditions.

                           Stage 3 Emergency
                           -----------------
                         Consumers are advised
                    that involuntary interruptions
                       of service have begun and
                        will continue until the
                         emergency has passed.


                            Powerful Habits
                            ---------------
               -- Set thermostat at 82 degrees or higher

                           -- Cool with fans

                          -- Draw the drapes

             -- Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances

        -- Use big appliances in early morning or late at night