1.   Asked what message he had for Western ratepayers and business who face double-digit electricity rate increases and possible blackouts this summer, Cheney asked for patience.

2.   At the time, the words came through very clearly, particularly in California, where there were threats of rolling blackouts all summer long.

3.   But industry and public officials were quick to caution that the state still faces summer blackouts and that many factors could send prices spiraling higher again.

4.   But until at least one nuclear unit is back, the entire New England utility industry worries about brownouts or blackouts next summer if consumer demand exceeds supplies.

5.   California traders were willing to pay exorbitant amounts for power because other state officials told them to expect regular rolling blackouts this summer due to power shortages.

6.   For some small businesses, just as worrisome as rising energy prices is the promise of rotating blackouts this summer.

7.   Gasoline prices have dipped and California has not yet suffered the rolling summer blackouts that had been feared.

8.   Industry and public officials were quick to caution Thursday that the state still faces summer blackouts and that many factors could send prices spiraling higher again.

9.   Industry and public officials were quick to caution that the state still faces summer blackouts and that many factors could send prices spiraling higher again.

10.   The chances are about as likely as the idea of California avoiding blackouts this summer.