Energy Conservation Urged in State

Pipefitters labored to reroute fire-damaged natural gas lines that interrupted gas and electric supplies to the entire Florida peninsula, prompting calls for energy conservation to avoid rolling blackouts. Electric utilities and power regulators asked residents statewide to turn down air conditioners, turn off water heaters and swimming pool pumps and avoid operating dishwashers and clothes dryers to avoid the need for rolling blackouts of up to 20 minutes at a time. The utility compensated by boosting output at plants that do not use gas and buying power from other companies. It also reduced power flowing to some commercial users who participate in voluntary programs that gives them cheaper rates in exchange for the right to cut supplies to certain equipment during peak usage.