They get paid for either firing up backup generators or for agreeing to targeted brownouts.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If nothing was done, the region would suffer rolling brownouts and maybe a wide blackout.

FORBES: Power Brokers

Once a home is wired, utilities could turn down power-gobbling appliances, like air conditioners, ahead of summer brownouts.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Consumers are feeling the pinch, with brownouts in the East and utility rate hikes as high as 15%.

FORBES: America has coal to last 250 years. Why is there a shortage?

Brewster and Healy are now able to curtail demand by BlackBerry, handy for dealing with brownouts from the seats at Fenway.

FORBES: Magazine Article

We may be facing brownouts (voltage reductions) and even rolling blackouts.

FORBES: Brownout

But when the brownouts and cost-spikes occur, don't blame the utilities.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: If the Lights Go Out

Frigid winds in 1994 caused rolling brownouts in the East.

FORBES: When Mr. Heat Comes To Washington

Beyond prices, we also see failures during peak periods in many places due to aging infrastructure and fragile grid structures (as evidenced by unanticipated brownouts, blackouts, and rolling brownouts in some regions).

FORBES: Research Summary: Enterprise Energy & Carbon Management Solutions