SACRAMENTO, CA — The California State Senate has approved a bill that will issue $13.4 billion in bonds to pay for emergency power. The bill will be sent to Gov. Gray Davis, who is expected to sign it. The Assembly approved the measure earlier in the week, after Republican opposition forced lawmakers to delay the effective date by 90 days.

Meanwhile, rolling blackouts continued affecting 225,000 homes and businesses from Sacramento to San Diego. Some sources are saying the blackouts were due to four power plants that closed for maintenance in preparation for the summer rush.

Publication date: 05/21/2001