The Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the major provider of electricity and natural gas to central and northern California, has taken the extraordinary step of warning its customers to prepare for possible major Y2K service interruptions.

Customers received the warning in the regular news brochure insert included with their February bills ("Spotlight" volume 9 number 2). Buried in the lead article ("Meeting the Challenge of 2000") is this statement:

"We also encourage you to consider your special needs. Make your own contingency plans in case communications, transportation, power or financial services may be interrupted by Y2K. No one knows if or how long any of these services might be affected, but being prepared helps in other kinds of emergencies, too.

"Because of the complex ways that computers and communications interact, and because we're dependent on other firms and groups, we regret that we are not able to issue any Year 2000 guarantees. But be assured that PG&E is taking strong measures to avoid service interruptions due to Y2K."

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-- Jean Wasp (jean@sonic.net), February 16, 1999