Power Grid Officials Issue Stage One Alert

High temperatures across the state have prompted action by Governor Schwarzenegger - and caution about the state's power use. The agency that manages the power grid - CAL ISO -- has called a Stage One Emergency. That means they're dipping into their energy reserves, and are asking Californians to reduce electricity use. Spokesman Gregg Fishman says it's the first such emergency this year:

Fishman: We're going to see the highest energy demand of the year so far today, and probably again on Thursday -- up into the 48,000 megawatt range. That's shy of our all-time record peak, which is 50,270 megawatts, but it's still very high.

ISO doesn't expect any blackouts today. The emergency is in effect until 8 this evening.    Because of the heat forecasted over the next several days, Governor Schwarzenegger is also urging Californians to take precautions

Schwarzenegger: If it is drinking plenty of water which is another important thing - stay indoors as much as you can and check on your neighbors, family and pets.

Schwarzenegger has also ordered agencies to open cooling centers at some state fairgrounds.

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