LADWP available to rescue State in Energy Crunch

As temperatures abate this week in Southern California, those worried about energy shortages have another reason to have a sigh of relief. If all else fails the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has surplus electricity.

Los Angeles has its own power-generation system and was spared deliberate blackouts this week, but Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa urged residents to conserve as much power as possible so energy could be provided to other areas of the state.

As part of an overall conservation effort in the city, the mayor urged residents to adjust their energy needs during peak hours, turn off lights, adjust thermostats to 78 degrees and open doors and windows to draw in cooler air at night.

"Make no mistake about it, in some cases we are talking about life-and-death situations," Villaraigosa said during a news conference in front of the Department of Water and Power headquarters.

"We are fortunate that Los Angeles has enough energy to take care of our needs. But we need to be a good neighbor and help out where we can."