Stage Two Power Emergency Declared (KFWB) 7.02.01, 2:50p --

Hot summer weather may finally be taking its toll on the state's electrical supply. The Independent System Operator declared a Stage Two emergency Monday afternoon. Officials are blaming high energy use for the supply shortage.

The ISO declared a Stage One emergency less than two hours before issuing the higher alert. They said the state would likely avoid rolling blackouts but warned the energy situation can change quickly.

The state's electric grid operator urged consumers to conserve, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours where power demand is highest.

Weather is the biggest single factor in determining the number of hours of rolling blackouts. Conservation is also key. California businesses and residents cut electricity use by 12 percent in June compared with the same period last year.

The state's power supply has met demand through a number of hot days in the last couple weeks, giving many hope that the threat of summer blackouts was lessened. State officials say energy-saving measures were an important reason the state avoided blackouts last month. They add that new generators coming online this summer will also help ease power woes.

-- PHO (owennos@bigfoot.com), July 02, 2001