In other words, consumers are starting to pay the price for blocking construction of power generation plants. Increasing demand with no increase in generating capacity means shortages. For those opposed to nuclear, you should note that many coal plants produce more radioactive waste then nuclear plants. Some coal slag from coal power plants has more uranium in it then nuclear power plant fuel rods;) Forwarded message:

A selection of postive and negative outlooks for the reliability of the north american electric power grid. George Bush, Jr. has cited the growth of the Internet as one cause for power shortages.

"Electric system resources will be adequate to meet projected electricity demand in North America this winter. Of course, extreme weather conditions and unexpected equipment problems may produce demands that exceed generation and transmission margins" source: ftp://www.nerc.com/pub/sys/all_updl/docs/pubs/winter2000.pdf

"Californians are getting a two-fold warning at the first sign of cold weather: The state says there may be blackouts and a major utility is warning of sharply higher bills." source: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20001115/us/california_power_woes_2.html

"Barring excessive heat, California should have enough electricity supply to meet its demand next summer, according to new -- and disputed -- projections from the California Energy Commission." source: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/sddt/20001121/lo/optimistic_electricity_forecas...

"Responding to concerns about deterioration of the U.S. electric power grid, Congress within the next five years will enact legislation mandating minimum standards for reducing downtime and improving system reliability, a panel of utility industry analysts and journalists predicted here this week." source: http://www.ces.com/experts_predict.html

-- Richard Shetron multics@ruserved.com multics@acm.rpi.edu NO UCE What is the Meaning of Life? There is no meaning, It's just a consequence of complex carbon based chemistry; don't worry about it The Super 76, "Free Aspirin and Tender Sympathy", Las Vegas Strip.