CA: Heat Sparks 'Stage 2' Power Emergency

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Thursday, July 20, 2000

Heat Sparks 'Stage 2' Power Emergency

By NANCY RIVERA BROOKS

The California Independent System Operator declared a moderate "Stage 2" statewide power emergency as high temperatures fueled electricity demand in the face of power plant outages in the Southwest. As required by Cal-ISO, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric cut power to hundreds of businesses and residential air-conditioner users who enjoy lower rates in exchange for being first-up when electric service cutbacks are imposed. Cal-ISO declares a Stage 2 emergency when electricity reserves fall below 5%. When reserves fall below 1.5%, a Stage 3 emergency is declared and rotating blackouts become probable. A Stage 3 emergency has never occurred on a statewide basis in California. Cal-ISO operates the power grid for about 75% of the state's electricity users.

http://www.latimes.com/business/20000720/t000067985.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), July 20, 2000


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