For immediate release: January 17, 2001
Media Contact: Claudia Chandler -- 916 654-4989
What To Do If There Are
Electricity Curtailments In Your NeighborhoodCalifornia's Independent System Operator has declared a Stage 3, and utilities have begun temporary curtailments in an attempt to manage the available reserves of electricity. These planned events shut the electrical power off in an area for a short period of time Ñ usually less than two hours Ñ before the power for that area is restored and another section of the service area is taken off line.
At this time, all Californians should conserve as much energy as possible, to minimize the curtailments that must take place.
If a curtailment is implemented in your neighborhood, remember that it is a controlled event. The electricity will come back on within a couple of hours. Until power is restored, consider these tips.
- Drive carefully. Remember that traffic signals may be out in a rolling blackout. Consider each intersection to be a four-way stop, and drive defensively. If you are a pedestrian, be extra alert, since normal traffic patterns are disrupted.
- It's a good idea to keep a flashlight in your car or near your home's front door, in case the power is off in your neighborhood in the evening. If you use candles for light in your home during a rolling blackout, be extremely careful to avoid starting a fire.
- Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. Food inside should stay cold for hours if the door is left closed.
- Check on your elderly neighbors or those who may have medical conditions or use medical machinery that operates on electricity.
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