Boris wrote:
     <<I keep hearing about more and more companies that are going to turn
     things off on 12/31/1999 and then turn them back on 1/1/2000.  I don't
     know about you, but this has me a little concerned.  Is anyone aware
     of a(n) (agency|industry group|*) that is going to help control this
     action?  I mean if everyone were to go off and then back on at the
     same time I would be concerned about the initial surge and later drain
     on the systems causing some power problems.  I would rather not be
     without electricity and its associated utilities (water|sewer|gas|*)
     in the middle of winter.>>

     This reminded of the time 20 years ago, while living in California, we
     had an earthquake in the middle of the night(~3:00AM).  Within
     minutes, the water pressure in the area dropped off dramatically.
     Naturally, they thought a water main had ruptured.  After searching
     all night, they did not find any break.  Even more amazing, by morning
     the water pressure was back to normal.  The conclusion they reached:

     If an earthquake wakes you in the middle of the night, after
     determining that it's not serious, you do what comes natural.  Pay a
     visit to the commode.  So many people flushing at literally the same
     time caused the water pressure to drop significantly.

     Jon Broz
     "Opinions expressed are mine, not necessarily my employer's"