01/26/2001 - Updated 08:43 AM ET Borrowed energy essential to California

California and Oregon have a long-standing agreement by which the Golden State borrows power from its northern region during peak hours, then returns it, often on a 2-to-1 basis, when demand lessens during the day. The two states are on the same power grid and are connected by two sets of power lines — alternating current lines with substations along the way and direct current lines that run from the Columbia River's federal hydroelectric dam system to Los Angeles. Alternating current lines

Beginning 100 miles east of Portland, Ore., and ending in Los Angeles, these are the main arteries through which the Bonneville Power Administration has been sending power to California during peak demand times. Stations along the way allow California's electricity authority to distribute power where it is needed throughout the state.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/general/2001-01-24-energy-crisis-borrowed.htm Direct current lines

Originating near Portland on the Columbia River, these lines distribute the power generated by the federal dam system along the Snake and Columbia rivers. These lines have no substations and recently have been the conduit through which Southern California has been sending borrowed electricity back north during off-peak hours.

North-south transmission

The main north-south transmission line is known as Path 15. Recently, it has been congested, and Southern California has had trouble helping Northern California meet its energy needs.

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), January 26, 2001