California avoids calling power emergency despite record demand

San Francisco (Platts)--8Sep2004

California on Tuesday avoided calling any power supply emergencies despite
hitting a new demand record of 45,164 MW, the first high ever to reach over
45,000 MW. The state Independent System Operator, which operates 75% of the
state's grid, is expecting another tough day on Wednesday due to high
temperatures with an anticipated demand load of 45,097 MW, according to its
website. 

An ISO spokesman said Tuesday that they were "not too concerned"
about the generation situation since the grid operator had about 5,000 MW of
generation on waiver and had contacted the power producers to come up to
speed. This week is the third week in so many months that the state has seen
record-breaking demand, but has avoided any emergencies during which the ISO
would be forced to call on large customers with interruptible load contracts
or institute rolling blackouts. The previous record of 44,871 MW was set on
Aug 11 and bested the year's first record of 44,360 MW, set on July 21. Prior
to this year, the record was 43,609 MW, set on July 12, 1999.

Copyright © 2004 - Platts

Please visit:  www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.