They also drafted a list of additional measures states should consider to head off energy shortages and drastic rate hikes. Among them: statewide campaigns to inform the public about the severity of the problem, ways to reduce energy use and costs during shortages as well as encouraging utilities to establish or expand voluntary programs to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.

Urging the Bush Administration to take immediate action to head off what could turn into a disaster, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said, "We in the western states are doing what we can to alleviate the problems caused by the immediate crisis. But the Federal Government must exercise its responsibility. I support electricity deregulation that produces market prices, but it is increasingly untenable for the Federal Government to continue to allow the monopolistic prices that have prevailed at the wholesale level this winter."

Noting that many Pacific Northwest utilities have raised their rates to percentages that "defy comprehension," the governor added, "This represents a growing transfer of wealth from the citizens . . . to energy marketers, a transfer that results in no greater issuance of future power supply."