This has already had some positive effects. During February of 2001, awareness of the government request encouraged Californians to reduce electricity consumption by 8 percent, up from 5.75 percent in January. Only conservation can offer short term relief from blackouts. She said that by continuing to replace old refrigerators or by switching to compact fluorescent lightbulbs, it could eliminate the need for 11 new power plants. Others believe that the simplest solution to California's power shortage lies in freeing electricity rates to follow market conditions.
Consumers bail out.
Generate own power. Although initial costs are still high, consumers and small businesses aren't waiting for state and industry to fix their problems. Instead, they are installing solar power panels in record numbers, straining the already short supply of these devices. For them, the energy crisis is all but over since their equipment will be producing power just as utilities feel the heaviest strain, at midday. A proposal, put forward by California State Senator Don Perata would reward Californians for saving electricity.