Heatwave Triggers Stage One Alert For California Power Supply

By Erik Anderson / Environment Reporter, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published August 30, 2007 at 12:38 PM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

California Power Grid managers say the statewide heat wave will again put pressure on their ability to keep lights on around the state. Yesterday, power reserves dipped below seven percent, triggering

California Power Grid managers say the statewide heat wave will again put pressure on their ability to keep lights on around the state. Yesterday, power reserves dipped below seven percent, triggering a stage one alert. The power supply picture is expected to be even tighter today.

San Diego Gas and Electric 's Peter Hidalgo says he expects a stage two alert today. That's when reserves shrink below five percent. Hidalgo says there is a positive side to the tight power situation. He says residents are heeding calls to conserve.

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Hidalgo : The statewide, stage one alert that was called around 3:30 was actually terminated about two hours earlier than anticipated because of the demand response.

Yesterday's stage one alert was the first issued by power grid officials this year. Hidalgo says demand is expected to drop tomorrow as people get a jump on the Labor Day weekend.