Energy Secretary Bill Richardson has indicated he is “guardedlyoptimistic” about the status of the electric utility industry’spreparedness efforts to deal with computer-related glitches thatmay arise with the arrival of the new millennium.

“I can’t declare total victory – yet. Consumers deserve theanswer to a simple question – whether their utility’s criticalsystems are ready for the year 2000. If the answer is ‘no’ or’maybe’ then I’m going to keep the pressure on until the answer isan unequivocal ‘yes.’ No consumer should be left in the dark nextJanuary 1st,” he said.

Richardson’s remarks were based on a second-quarter survey ofthe industry’s Y2K readiness status that was conducted by the NorthAmerican Electric Reliability Council (NERC). The survey found thatmore than 99% of the nation’s electricity supply was either Y2Kready or Y2K ready with limited exceptions, and that 96% of alllocal power distribution systems were certified ready for the newmillennium.

In the time remaining until Dec. 31, Richardson said the DOEstaff plans to focus on four areas. It will:

DOE currently is funding a project to develop computer models ofpower flows on the three main interconnections in North Americaunder Y2K conditions to help NERC complete its contingencyplanning. Also, DOE said it will be in direct communication on NewYear’s Eve with key industry control centers, which will provide itwith accurate, real-time information on the status of the nation’selectricity system.

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