Energy Crisis Threatens the Western Power Grids

383144 08: A view of the power lines as evening settles December 11, 2000 in Pico Rivera, CA. California residents statewide are urged to delay turning on their holiday lights until 7 P.M. each evening to prevent electrical blackouts. Several stage two emergencies, when electrical reserves in the region drop to 5 percent or less, have been declared in recent days. (Photo by David McNew/Newsmakers)