1.   Blackouts are averted.

2.   But further blackouts Wednesday were averted when U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson extended an emergency order requiring power suppliers to sell electricity to California.

3.   By cutting power to these customers, California has been able to avert rolling blackouts on all but a few occasions during periods of short supply.

4.   Even so, energy experts said such a law could help cut energy costs and avert blackouts on scorching summer days.

5.   Just Tuesday California narrowly averted blackouts.

6.   Lower temperatures and the completion of repairs at some power plants helped avert blackouts Wednesday.

7.   Operators of electricity grids from Maine to Virginia said that despite the record demand, they had enough power on hand to avert blackouts.

8.   California electricity industry officials reported progress Tuesday toward limiting price spikes and encouraging power plant construction to avert blackouts that threatened the state last week.

9.   California narrowly averted rolling blackouts Thursday after a powerful storm crippled a key nuclear plant while other electric generating stations shut down for maintenance.

10.   Conservation efforts avert rolling blackouts.