1.   In an effort to prevent widespread electricity blackouts, the Thai government has set up an ambitious energy conservation programme.

2.   An electricity blackout shut down trading for part of the afternoon, reducing already thin trading.

3.   As in a major electricity blackout or the disruption of telephone service, users suddenly realized how much they had taken technology for granted.

4.   At the time, electricity blackouts had all but crippled California, where Enron was the single biggest supplier of power.

5.   But the long-term threat is a winter of rolling electricity blackouts, which will cut heat and water for many.

6.   Electricity blackouts are common.

7.   Moreover, their lives are plagued by frequent electricity blackouts, shortages of safe drinking water and poor handling of sewage.

8.   Or should headlines focus on the frightening warnings about electricity blackouts and other problems?

9.   Prices are rising, jobs are scarce, electricity blackouts are more frequent, and the quality of other public services is declining.

10.   The situation is most critical in New Hampshire, where consumers must conserve power during the summer heat to avoid electricity blackouts, the report said.