California Prepares for Extra Load on Grid

California's power plants are bracing themselves for yet another deadly summer as temperatures rise, reminding constituents and utilities of last year's sauna-like conditions which lasted 11 days and strained power networks.

Power consumption was predicted to rise today, according to news reports in the state, following the July 4 Independence Day holiday. Temperatures were expected to rise to close to 110 degrees and state demand for power was expected to reach 45,000 megawatts.

Making matters worse, it was unknown if a light plane that hit two high-voltage transmission lines on 3 July could still place problems on California's power grid.

California ISO, a not-for-profit group that speaks on behalf of companies providing electricity along the state's east coast, said even a small incident like this could affect how Californian utilities dealt with increased demand.

Many local power plants are still using "old and complex" machines, which can pose problems with reliability.

"Reducing demand through voluntary conservation is the important thing to do, especially with a significant heat wave due in California this week," the organisation said.

The heat wave comes just after new North American Electric Reliability Council reliability standards were announced, in response to the state's 2003 August blackout. The standards restrict any unauthorised personnel from entering the floor of any power station, including news media and the public.