U.S. Plans to Address Future Power Crises

Spurred by the recent power blackout in the Northeast, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson in Washington is proposing a six-part plan to better ensure Americans will not lose their electricity during severe weather. Hoping to avert future power crises, Richardson’s plan includes convening a Northeast regional power summit, investigating power outages, speeding new federal standards for more efficient air conditioners and cutting federal consumption during emergencies. Richardson is also promoting the increased use of alternative and renewable energy sources and the development of new generation and transmission technologies.