California ISO Calls for Energy Conservation; Western States Hit with High Temperatures, Energy Reserves Narrow.

News Editors/Energy Writers

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 2000

Weather forecasts calling for high temperatures throughout the western United States have prompted the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) to declare Tuesday, June 27th a Power Watch Day. The California ISO urges Californians to watch their energy consumption, curtailing their use of electricity whenever possible.

Higher than normal temperatures in neighboring states in the northwest and southwest along with off-line generators in those same areas have limited their ability to export electricity to California. This combined with increased demand within the state -- hot weather in the valley and high humidity in the south -- is expected to result in low energy reserves. The peak demand on the ISO-controlled Grid is expected to reach 43,042 megawatts by Tuesday afternoon. The record peak was 45,884 megawatts on July 12, 1999. Continuously updated information about California ISO operations is available on the web at www.caiso.com.

Power Watch 2000 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.

For questions relating to the status of the electrical distribution systems that carry electricity directly to homes and businesses, please contact your local utility.

Heat Wave Tips

    --  Draw drapes
    --  Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
    --  Cool with fans
    --  Use appliances in early morning or late at night

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 involuntary interruptions of
        service have begun and will continue until the emergency has
        passed.