Dive Brief: California's electric system is in a better position than it was last summer, when a record-breaking heatwave led to rolling blackouts in the state, but there's still cause for concern, according to a new assessment from the California Independent System Operator. Although forecasted load levels have not significantly changed under normal conditions, CAISO could have a tough time meeting demand this summer thanks to a second year of low hydroelectric energy supplies and the higher possibility of extreme weather events, the report found. CAISO's assessment indicates that additional procurement has left California slightly better off, said Seth Hilton, partner with Stoel Rives. "But we probably have a long way to go before we get to a point where we have sufficient capacity where we're not concerned about summer heatwaves," he added.