Dec. 8, 2000-- Reported by News Specialist John Daley

A nighttime surge in use of electricity is leading several parts of the country into a struggle for power. So far, it's not an energy crisis in Utah, but the power supply is a concern.

That's why Utah Power is asking folks to voluntarily cut back, especially during peak times of electrical use.

Most of us don't even think about it much, but the power we use - to turn on Christmas lights for example - is tied to a massive, interdependent power grid linking the Western states.

So, when California is having problems, or a big cold front is expected, both of which are happening now, that can affect the grid and your power.

And, worst case scenario: if we don't conserve, it could be "Lights out!"

The holiday spirit may be hit by a holiday shortage--in power.

New conservation efforts in Utah are spurred on by a power crunch in California.

Gov. Gray Davis/(D) California: "THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME. WE ALL HAVE TO PULL TOGETHER."

Yesterday officials in California briefly declared an unprecendented "Stage Three Alert" and asked state agencies, residents, and businesses to conserve power.

Why could California's problem spell trouble for Utah?

The nation's power system is broken up into geographic units, including the power grid for the western states, called the Western Interconnected System.

Utilities throughout the west are closely linked, regularly selling power to each other. California is close to running out of all reserve power due to the demand in the northwest, because of cold temperatures there.

Now, another blast of cold air is heading towards the western states.

Dave Eskelsen/Utah Power: "THERE'S NO EASY, IMMEDIATE SOLUTION ON THE SUPPLY SIDE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. SO WE NEED TO START TALKING ABOUT CONSERVATION."

So what's causing this problem? A shortage of natural gas--fuel for power generators.

A shortage of hydroelectric power.

And aging power plants off-line for maintenance.

Utah Power says Utah does not face the prospect of rolling blackouts. But a breakdown in equipment could make matters worse. That's why the call for conservation.

Dave Eskelsen/Utah Power: "I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE A PANIC. I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO THINK LIKE WE'LL BE CUTTING ROLLING BLACKOUTS. I DON'T THINK THAT'LL HAPPEN EVEN WHEN IT GETS COLD. BUT THIS IS TERRITORY THIS INDUSTRY HAS NOT BEEN IN BEFORE."

Here's how we can all help.

Utah Power is urging folks to try to reduce their electrical use during peak hours, typically when you return home, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The highest level is between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

They are asking for folks to wait until 8:00 p.m. to turn on the Christmas lights. It can also save you money.

Click here for more power/money saving tips.