We are worried about blackouts that may occur this summer, and we want to be a part of any solutions. Governor Gray Davis certainly hopes so. But many obstacles remain, adding to the state's concern that this summer's electric shortage will be even worse than expected. Part of the conservation effort encourages consumers to save electricity by paying them to purchase energy-efficient appliances. These popular payments are called rebates.
Consumers can also receive rebates for weatherizing their homes.
Gov. Davis hopes to save as much as 2000 megawatts a day, enough to power 2 million homes, through these conservation methods. The company is waiting for approval from a judge in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to spend the funds on conservation. Once in bankruptcy, a company owes others businesses money. Spending money requires a judge's okay. The approval, expected in a month, will eat away precious time as the temperatures start to rise.