California: Some of the Reasons for Diminishing PowerSupply

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Some of the Reasons for Diminishing Supply

Friday, December 8, 2000

-- Q: Why are we having power shortages in the winter?

A: A number of factors are combining to interrupt California's electricity supply. Cold weather and limited generating capacity in the Pacific Northwest have reduced power from out-of-state producers. Rising natural gas prices have made power plants more expensive to run. And a number of California plants are down for routine maintenance.

Q: Does this increase the chances of blackouts occurring?

A: And how. State officials warn that the possibility of "rolling blackouts" will increase as the weather grows chillier. They say this weekend may be especially precarious for the power grid as temperatures drop as much as 10 degree below normal.

Q: Wasn't deregulation of California's power market supposed to prevent such problems?

A: Deregulation was intended to lower energy bills through increased competition. However, competition has remained limited, and some power bills have more than doubled. State politicians and regulators are seeking ways to revise the deregulation blueprint.

Q: What will it take to solve California's energy problems?

A: Simply put, more power plants. No new plants have been built in the state for 10 years. While a number of plants are now on the drawing board, officials say it could take years before supply will keep pace with demand.

Q: What will happen in the meantime?

A: Continued shortages. Officials warn that the situation may be even more severe next summer as demand for power, especially in Silicon Valley, far outstrips available resources.

Q: What can I do?

A: Consumers are being asked to conserve electricity by scaling back Christmas lights this year. They also are being asked to set thermostats at 68 degrees and to turn off lights and computers when not in use.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/12/08/MN153770.DTL

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), December 08, 2000


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