Rolling blackouts ordered in California

SACRAMENTO, California (CNN) -- The managers of California's power grid ordered rolling blackouts Monday for the first time since January in the state's continued power crisis.

ALSO Californians seek silver lining in power crisis     IN-DEPTH SPECIAL Online coverage of the energy crunch in California   MESSAGE BOARD Power crisis

The rolling blackouts were called after officials issued a Stage 3 power alert, a spokeswoman for the California Independent System Operator said.

Officials with the ISO, keeper of the state's electricity grid, said higher demand combined with a lack of electricity from the Northwest prompted the alert.

The ISO ordered the state's two biggest utility companies, Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison, to cut a total of 500 megawatts of electricity, enough power for roughly 500,000 homes.

The outages were split between Northern and Southern California, said ISO spokeswoman Stephanie McCorkle. She said warmer temperatures led to the higher demand, as people begin using air conditioners.

The power grid last ordered rolling blackouts January 17 and 18 across Northern California, affecting more than 675,000 homes and businesses for more than two hours at a time. Hospitals and airports were exempt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

California power sellers told to give back millions or justify prices
March 9, 2001
California IT staff prepare for more blackouts
February 27, 2001
California power order extended to Thursday
February 8, 2001
Western governors, Bush team hold electricity summit
February 2, 2001
California governor signs bill to buy power for utilities
February 1, 2001
Utility bailout falters in California assembly
January 31, 2001
Stage 3 power alert continues in California
January 30, 2001
White House forms energy task force, but offers California scant hope of aid
January 29, 2001

The California ISO
PG&E Corporation
SoCal Edison
  • Deregulation - What this means to you - Electricity Market Issues
California Power Exchange
System Conditions - The California ISO
California Public Utilities Commission
California Utilities Emergency Association
Foundation For Taxpayer & Consumer Rights

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.