California power officials ask consumers to conserve
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007With a key power transmission line offline because of wildfires, authorities are asking San Diego residents to conserve electricity.
The Harris Fire in southern San Diego County took out the Southwest Power Link, which connects Otay Mesa with Arizona. Meanwhile, a north-south power corridor that connects San Diego to the rest of the state runs near Camp Pendleton, where another fire is burning.
In order to get the Southwest transmission lines operational, crews must be able to get to the lines and clean them of smoke.
Until then, utility officials urged customers to conserve “if their health allows it,” said San Diego Gas and Electric spokeswoman Jenny Redmond.
About 19,500 customers were without power Wednesday either because of downed lines in fire areas or to ensure the safety of firefighters, Redmond said.
“Everything capable of generating power is providing service right now,” said Sempra Utilities Chief Operating Officer Michael Niggli, adding that additional power is being sent from Mexico.
– story from modbee.com
