California Customer Load Reductions during the Electricity Crisis: Did They Help to Keep the Lights On?

This report details the predicted electricity shortages and blackouts in California (summer 2001) that never occured, in part due to energy conservation measures taken on by the people of California. Intense media coverage and information campaigns about energy efficiency as well as policies and programs were implemented to reduce usage, resulting in load reductions ranging between 3,200 and 5,600 MW. This report presents the lessons learned during the crisis that might prove useful for other regions facing shortages.