CGA Emergency Energy Conservation Program Continues As California Hit With Heatwave.

Business Editors/Energy Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

California Grocers Association (CGA) members throughout California powered down Monday and Tuesday, dimming their lights, to help offset high energy consumption due to a record-breaking coastal heat wave.

As record high temperatures baked the state this week, and in response to the California Independent System Operator issuing a Stage I Alert on Monday and Tuesday, CGA members participating in a volumtary energy conservation program were reducing their power consumption by up to 10 percent.

"Consumers probably noticed that the lighting wasn't as bright in their local markets on Monday," CGA President Peter Larkin said. "Most stores were reducing lighting by as much as 50 percent. Customers will probably experience the same on Tuesday and Wednesday."

Since mid-August, CGA members statewide have been participating in a voluntary conservation program that calls for a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption when a Stage I alert is issued by the California Independent System Operator.

Larkin emphasized that while consumers are noticing some changes when entering a supermarket, product integrity and food safety are not compromised in any way. "Food safety continues to be the No. 1 concern of every retailer," Larkin said. "The absence of lighting in frozen food and meat cases does not mean the electricity has been turned off. All stores are keeping their cases at full power."

To find out more regarding CGA's Emergency Energy Conservation Program, log on to CGA's website at: www.cagrocers.com and click on the energy icon. The site also lists those companies participating in the program.

The California Grocers Association is a non-profit, statewide trade association representing the food industry since 1898. CGA represents approximately 500 retail members operating over 6,000 food stores in California and Nevada, and approximately 300 grocery supplier companies. Retail membership includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores and mass merchandisers. The association is recognized as the industry leader in the areas of government and industry relations, public relations, education and communications. CGA maintains its headquarters in Sacramento with a satellite office in Long Beach.