How serious is the power crisis in the Western Unites States?
A15: Very serious in February, March & April 2001, expecting power prices to get even higher and harder to come by. California, expected to be short in the summer of 2001, already experienced 2 day of blackouts, March 19 & 20. Depending on the user’s contract for firm power and the prospects of getting firm power, investing in a natural gas power plant may be good insurance, reasonable and smart. Hydro reserves in the Pacific Northwest are below 50% of normal as of June 2001 creating a tentative summer as far as power supplies are available.
