This proposal is just the latest in a line of initiatives created by the Davis administration to help Californians cope with the energy crunch. In February, Davis outlined his US$800 million energy conservation program, which was expected to reduce California's summer peak-load electricity demand by more than 3,200 megawatts. The program consists of appliance rebates, incentives to reduce commercial lighting and a public media campaign. The governor also signed an executive order, effective March 15, 2001, requiring retailers to reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting.
      Davis's conservation campaign includes:

• $75 million to augment the Public Utility Commission's program of providing rebates to consumers who replace energy-inefficient appliances.
• $95 million in incentives to businesses to install demand-responsive systems in commercial buildings and to reduce commercial lighting.
• $60 million to fund innovative peak-load reduction proposals.
• $50 million to improve energy efficiency in state buildings.
• $50 million for reflective lighting and roofs, improved shading and other measures for commercial buildings.
• $20 million for the first stage of a paid media campaign sponsored by the Dept. of Consumer Affairs.

      In May, the governor unveiled a new Web site (www.consumerenergycenter .org/rebate/index.php) designed to help all energy consumers make use of energy rebates and other programs offered by the state. The site allows consumers to search for energy efficiency programs being offered by any public agency and their utility district. A visitor can search out specific programs like rebates being offered on certain appliances, or he can find conservation programs designed solely for businesses, cities, counties, schools or agriculture.
      "California has created a number of programs that will help residents cut their energy use during this power emergency," Davis said at the site's unveiling. "Now the California Energy Commission has developed a database that pulls all these conservation programs together. It makes it easy for everyone to find rebates, energy loans and grants programs."
      Davis also approved the development of several new generation facilities. Three of these plants were expected to open by summer's end, providing relief from rolling blackouts. The governor told the San Jose Mercury News that California will have more power than is needed by the year 2003, and there will be a 15 percent surplus by 2004.