Herald-Sun

Calif. Issues Blackout Warnings The Associated Press Jun 18, 2001 : 2:13 am ET

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Blackout warnings were issued for the first time Sunday by the agency that runs California's power grid.

The California Independent System Operator said potential blackouts could occur Monday and Tuesday afternoons between noon and 8 p.m. both days.

It was the first time the ISO issued warnings under the new early warning system, which lets customers know of possible outages 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Temperatures in the mid-90s to triple digits are expected Monday and Tuesday in many areas served by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. As a result, an increased energy demand is forecast.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Answers

But if you look at ISO's site, it is merely at "Warning". A long ways before a blackout would occur.

I just don't think it is feasible to issue notices 48 hours in advance that will mean anything.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Just in case you want to look at the graph, go here.

They have changed it slightly, and now have an extra bar on there that shows generation.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Thanks, Sheeple. The graph I just examined had the forecasted load exceeding the generation bar at one point. So, how come it is still only at "Warning"?

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Brooks,

Not sure. I've noticed myself in the past that there are occasions that the use exceeds what they have forcasted. Unless it is way out of the forcasted, I don't think that they worry about it. Remember the 3% and 5% hold overs that they use before they throw up the warnings.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

But I thought that was 3 or 5% in the OTHER direction.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Looks like they found some more generation. Perhaps that was the difference? Near certain it would be found but couldn't post it until it was definite?

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001