Conservation urged as power use hits high in California

The Orange County Register, Calif. --Sep. 8

Sep. 8--For the sixth time in two months, California set a new record for peak electricity usage Tuesday. Demand reached 45,165 megawatts at 4 p.m., eclipsing the old mark of 44,872 set Aug. 11.

With high temperatures expected to continue today, the state has declared a "Flex Your Power Now" power-watch day. Consumers are being asked to curtail their use of electricity whenever possible, especially during the peak-demand hours between 4 and 7 p.m.

The California Independent System Operator, which manages most of the state's grid, believes there will be enough power to meet demand but said conservation during the peak helps it balance supply with demand.

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