The blackouts are caused by slim power supplies due to several Northern California power plants shut down for maintenance. Davis signs two bills stemming from power crisis in San Diego. One would spread energy price increases for San Diego customers over several years, the other speeds up the approval process for new power plants. The state Public Utilities Commission approves the rate-averaging plan for San Diego customers, which caps their rates for three years. For the first time, the ISO declares a Stage Three emergency when power reserves fall below 1.5 percent.
Officials say conservation efforts averted rolling blackouts throughout the state.
The increases will be about 9 percent for homes, and between 7 percent and 15 percent for businesses.