California ISO Gears up for Summer; Consumers Urged to Practice Conservation When Called Upon.

Energy Editors/News Editors

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2004

Blackouts may not be in the forecast for this summer, but the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) says conservation may still play an important role in keeping the power flowing in California. An early end to winter and a jump on dry conditions and high temperatures this spring results in hydroelectric conditions far short of ideal going into this summer. California's appetite for electricity is also tracking close to four percent above last year at this time, which means demand is up at a time when resources may not be plentiful.

"Hydroelectricity plays a pivotal role in maintaining healthy operating reserve levels in the summer. The concern is that the remaining snow pack and expected runoff is about half of normal throughout the California watersheds and much of the region outside of California. Depending on how hot it is early in the summer, we might not have much hydro-power left by the end of the season," said California ISO Vice President of Operations Jim Detmers.

If a heat wave hits at the same time a big power plant or transmission line trips off line, conservation becomes critical. As the holiday weekend and the start of summer approaches, the ISO is working with local utilities, the news media and various state agencies to ensure effective communication channels are in place.

"We know from our experience during the energy crisis that the public can and will reduce their energy usage when asked," said Director of Communications Stephanie McCorkle. "What we are doing now is making sure we are prepared and can communicate quickly with the public to give them the opportunity to respond."

Resources for Media

The ISO website at www.caiso.com is a source of up-to-date information. Clicking on the "System Conditions" link on the home page brings up Today's Outlook, a graph depicting the energy demand forecast for each hour of the day, the actual usage and the power available to meet that demand. It is a quick and easy way for the media and the general pubic to get a snapshot of grid conditions in real time.

Taped Media Message

During the summer the ISO also offers an audio version of Today's Outlook. Media can call 888-516-NEWS to follow instructions for accessing the media hotline, which provides a broadcast-quality message giving the latest grid conditions as well as fresh tips for conservation and energy efficiency and any other pertinent information. Pager numbers are available via the hotline for ISO media representatives who are on-call 24/7.

Easy Reference Cards

Most reporters carry press passes and security card keys these days. In an effort to keep reference information readily available to the media, the California ISO is providing retractable badge clips with energy industry contact information and conservation tips attached.

About the ISO

The California ISO is a not-for-profit public benefit corporation charged with managing the flow of electricity along California's open-market wholesale power grid. The mission of the California ISO is to safeguard the reliable delivery of electricity, and ensure equal access to a 25,000 circuit miles of "electron highway." As the impartial operator of the wholesale power grid in the state, the California ISO conducts a small portion of the bulk power markets. These markets are used to allocate space on the transmission lines, maintain operating reserves and match supply with demand in real time.