Power consumption in and around major U.S. cities is becoming a zero sum game. Increased demand has not been met with increased production, despite energy deregulation. A Wall Street Journal article cited the narrowing gap between average daily production and consumption - leaving very little flexibility for dealing with the sporadic heat waves that are inevitable this summer. The first national assessment on global warming has been completed (www.usgcrp.gov) and forecasts average temperatures rising 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century, promoting more summer urban heat waves. Despite skyrocketing oil and fuel prices, not all forms of energy are getting more expensive. Outages aren't the major threat, although thunderstorms and man-made disasters will bring some. The major threat to equipment lies in the insidious means used by power companies to 'ration' power among users. Declining voltages (which can produce a loss of vertical control on your computer screen) are one means they use to deal with the problem of not enough power to go around. While it can have such benign effects as causing light bulbs to glow just a little bit less brightly, it can wreak havoc with your computer or interactive voice system. Regular periods of low voltage will activate your uninterruptible power system (UPS) - if you have one - without allowing it to adequately recharge. This will result in a shortened UPS life, and no protection when you need it most. If the cycles fall below 60 per second, (or 60 Hz) your equipment can draw more current, overheat, and be destroyed. Cheap power strips don't prevent damage due to power sags, the most common form of power network degradation, and many UPS designs don't allow for adequate recharging under those same conditions. Prolonged rationing - likely to be incorporated into power companies 'plan of the day' this summer - is bound to cause equipment damage or reduced life. That is, unless you have adequate protection, and check it regularly. Our company is offering power supplies at 20% off list price (+ S/H) - with no sales tax for direct delivery.