NorCal Spared South's Energy Woes for 2005

Northern Californians will be sitting pretty as Southern Cal faces energy shortages next summer, or so the experts say:

Southern California could run low on electricity in the summer of 2005 even if the weather stays mild, state energy officials warned Tuesday.

Average summer weather could force the region to dip into its power reserves in September, according to the California Energy Commission. Hot weather could drain those reserves completely -- possibly triggering blackouts.

"I'm as concerned about next year as I was in 1999 about the year 2000," said commission Chairman William Keese, referring to the year when California's newly deregulated power market melted down.

Northern California, in contrast, should have more than enough juice next year to keep its air conditioners and server farms humming. Not until 2008 does the region risk tapping into its reserves in hot weather.

"We don't see a problem right now in Northern California," said Bob Therkelsen, the commission's executive director.

Locky Los Angelenos, however, should be spared, as the one thing the LADWP seems to have done right lately is secure electric generation.