A variety of actions have been suggested and/or implemented to increase generation in the immediate future, including the following.

• Waive NO_x   emission restrictions on powerplants in California.  In some cases in California, NO_x  limits have been waived in exchange for the future installation of new pollution control equipment.  In other cases, generators have exceeded their NO_x limits, but continued to operate and paid fines for non-compliance.

• Waive hydro operating restrictions that are designed to protect fish, but limit hydro output.  Fish-related operating limits have recently been violated on the Columbia River.

• Use existing back-up generation.  This has been done by consumers in some areas, but because much of the back-up generation is relatively dirty diesel-fired generators there is concern about air quality impacts resulting from extended use of back-up generation.  For example, in Los Angeles operations limits on emergency generators have been extended    However, some back-up generation is not synchronized with the power grid.

• Install new emergency peaking generation.  A program to install 2045 MW of summer peaking power has been implemented by the California Independent System Operator.    A new California law expedites the siting of emergency generators under certain conditions.  

• Defer maintenance on generators.

• Restart old retired powerplants.  For example, AES is seeking to restart retired plants in California.