Sundesert aftermath: California utilities seek alternatives

California's electric utilities are doubtful that alternative energy sources will be able to provide the energy that would have been produced by the cancelled Sundesert nuclear plant. State officials are confident that energy demand can be met by a combination of conservation, geothermal and co-generation projects, fossil-fueled plants, and power purchases from other states and Mexico. The utilities worry that rising population in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas will result in a power shortage in the 1980s as well as higher utility rates for the entire state. California's strict environmental policies make the development of other energy facilities uncertain. The state's antinuclear stance may be re-evaluated in future elections