State power grid officials ordered blackouts Tuesday morning that affected Southern California Edison customers in the cities of San Fernando, Simi Valley, Palmdale and Long Beach, among dozens of others. The latest power woes were caused by maintenance problems at two major power plants, warm temperatures and alternative energy providers shutting down because of unpaid bills. Los Angeles, Burbank and Glendale, which are not on the state power grid, were again exempt from the problems. State and utility officials were hopeful that blackouts will not be needed today, with cooler temperatures forecast and two major plants coming back on line after emergency repairs. Still, they predict a tough spring and summer.
Supplies are very tight.
Gov. Gray Davis on Tuesday announced several measures designed to put a dent in the crisis. One proposal would force energy companies to quickly pay alternative energy sources or face stiff fines. Those sources include renewable resources such as wind, solar and other alternative energies. Pacific Gas and Electric has been paying them about 15 percent of what they are owed. One megawatt is enough to provide power to about 750 homes.