Hot Weather Puts California Power Grid On Alert

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 9: Generation Dispatcher Travis Keller (R) and Transmission Dispatcher Lee Recchia help manage the flow of electricity in the control center of the California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO) as hot weather threatens to break state electricity consumption records August 9, 2004 in the Alhambra sector of Los Angeles, California. A heat wave prompted state utility officials to declare a "power watch" today through Wednesday, August 11, to prevent power shortages like those that lead to blackouts during California's power crisis of 2000 and 2001. Cal-ISO, which manages the flow and distribution of electricity in California, is urging consumers to reduce their use of electricity, especially from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., which are "peak demand hours." (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)