CAISO Anticipates Limits on Power Supply as Temperatures Heat Up in California; Pacific Gas and Electric Company and CAISO Urge Customers to Conserve.

News Editors/Energy & Utilities Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2000

As temperatures begin to rise in California and across the western United States, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is projecting high electricity demand throughout the state for the early part of next week. With warmer temperatures and increased power usage, the CAISO predicts energy resources will be limited.

To help the CAISO meet the electricity demands in California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is urging its customers to conserve energy both at home and in the office.

Earlier this summer, the CAISO ordered rotating block outages in portions of the Bay Area because of the extreme heat conditions and limited resources. The rising demand for electricity is fueled by the state's economic growth and increasing population.

Following are some ways Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers can help reduce electric demand and save money, even when temperatures soar:

Energy Conservation Tips for the Office

-- Turn off PCs, monitors, printers, copiers, and lights every

night and every weekend. If you can't turn off the whole

computer, turn off the monitor and the printer.

-- Close shades or blinds during early morning and late evening

to reduce solar insulation heat gain.

-- Shut off lights in unoccupied rooms.

-- For optimal energy savings, set thermostats at 78 degrees F

for cooling in the summer.

Energy Conservation Tips at Home

-- Close drapes and blinds during the day to keep the heat out of

your home.

-- Set your air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees F or higher

when at home. Turn it off or raise air conditioning to a

warmer temperature when you leave. (Note: Seniors and people

with special medical needs should check with their doctors

before changing their normal home temperatures.)

-- Use a fan instead of an air conditioner if the weather is mild.

-- Shift the use of heat-producing appliances such as ovens,

dishwashers, clothes dryers and irons from mid-day to early in

the morning or later at night when possible.

-- Turn off lights when they are not needed.

Recent upgrades of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's distribution system ensure the utility's facilities are prepared to handle higher temperatures and increased demand for electricity. Still, just like strong winds and falling trees can affect power lines and poles in the winter storm season, high temperatures can occasionally beat heat-sensitive facilities such as transformers and substations.

The company launched a conservation awareness campaign in May to encourage customers to reduce their energy usage on hot days. Additional information on the company's conservation and demand relief programs are available on the web site (www.pge.com).