http://www.msnbc.com/local/KOB/37293.asp

Link

PNM braces for potential minor Y2K problems ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico Another potential Y2K problem has to do with electricity. PNM does not expect any big problems but residents are advised be on the lookout for some minor ones.

For the next two weeks, the utility company will be watching for power surges. Distribution stations help control electricity. Theyre one of the last stops before it heads to your house. There is a possibility of slight voltage fluctuations, which could affect sensitive electronics but most will not notice anything, said Don Brown of PNM. PNM says a surge could be caused by a bigger user of electricity such as a company or plant, powering down and then powering up over the New Years holiday. Intel and other major users from Phillips to Sandia Labs are planning to idle some operations that are essentially creating too much electricity, and then a high demand when machines turn back on. We dont foresee that being a real problem. if there are, most wont notice, just a flickering of lights, said Brown. The companies, some of which use as much electricity as a small city, have been coordinating Y2K power plans with the utility company for three years. I think we have a good idea when large customers will be needing power and not. and well be set up. I dont see a lot of surprises on new year eve and day, said Brown. PNM says they are Y2K compliant. They have been expecting a change in levels for New Years anyway, since so many people plan to stay home.

-- Homer Beanfang (Bats@inbellfry.com), December 20, 1999

Answers

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000bFR

[snip]

Nevertheless, Witschger said there's a "high probability" of frequency or voltage variations for at least a few hours after midnight, Dec. 31.

These would come as PNM's heaviest consumers, such as manufacturing plants, deal with their own Y2K problems and shut down or reset their systems. Such large changes in power consumption on the grid could cause voltage drops or spikes elsewhere.

The only danger from these fluctuations are to sensitive equipment, including computers and other electronics. Witschger said surge protectors should prevent any damage -- as would simply unplugging the equipment.

[snip]

-- Linkmeister (link@librarian.edu), December 20, 1999.