Release Date: June 22, 2006
Contact: PG&E News Department (415) 973-5930

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Urges Energy Conservation State Declares Flex Your Power NOW!' Power Watch for Thursday

SAN FRANCISCO Summer has arrived with a fury bringing scorching temperatures across the western United States . The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has declared a Flex Your Power NOW! Power Watch beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 22, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 25. As a result Pacific Gas and Electric Company urges its customers to reduce their energy usage, especially during the afternoon peak demand hours of 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The California ISO reached a peak demand of 40,561 megawatts Wednesday, slightly above their forecast peak demand of 40,214 megawatts. Tomorrows' forecast suggests that demand could increase to over 43,200 megawatts. The all-time record was 45,597 megawatts, set on September 8, 2004.

The California ISO predicts there is adequate power available to meet the expected high demand Thursday. However, customer conservation will play an important role to reduce the strain on the regions' electrical grid.

PG&E is asking customers to:

• Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
• Cool with fans instead of air conditioners
• Draw the drapes
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Use major appliances early in the day, or later at night

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is voluntarily curtailing usage at its own facilities throughout northern and central California . Conservation by all Californians plays a key role in helping balance the demand for energy with the available supply.

The Flex Your Power NOW! campaign was launched during the summer of 2004 as a way to enlist the help of California energy users in times of tight supplies. When the California ISO declares an imminent electricity shortage caused for example by unplanned transmission and power plant outages, wildfires, or higher than expected demand and unseasonable weather a warning is issued asking customers to reduce usage to help avoid power emergencies.

For More Information on Energy Saving Tips Visit www.pge.com/foryourhome or www.pge.com/foryourbusiness