One of the largest power users in San Joaquin County, the company has turned its shifts upside down to avoid costly peak power times. Workers now run the plant on weekends, at night, and in the morning. The plant shuts down at midday. CEO Bob Olson's contract won't be renewed come July. After 22 years at the plant, he's philosophical about the need to cut costs.
Energy costs are the nail in a coffin of overseas competition.
Dairy owners Mario and Ann Silva had just finished milking 750 cows when the power went out last month. When the milk truck came, they couldn't pump their milk into it. Their generator is being fixed, so a loaner is parked at the ready. Suddenly, in a state known for high-tech, a diesel generator is a necessity. Asked whether the Northwest should send power to California, Ann Silva doesn't hesitate.