US and Canadian task force to investigate blackouts

America and Canada have formed a joint task force to investigate what caused the huge North American power blackout, and prevent it from happening again.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's office announced the task force after talks with George Bush over the power cuts that left 50 million people on both sides of the border without power.

The task force, to be chaired by US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Canadian Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal, will begin work immediately, although no timescale has been set for its work.

Canadian officials said during the 10-minute phone call to Chrétien, initiated by Bush, the US president said the two countries needed a solution to the problem presented by ageing power grids they share.

Lights came back yesterday across a swathe of central Canada hit by the blackout, but it is still causing travel disruption and there are pleas for people to use as little electricity as possible.

Chrétien, in his first statement since the power cut, praised co-operation between the North American neighbours in dealing with the crisis. His tone differed from earlier accusations traded by Canadian and US officials about who was to blame for the power cuts.

Earlier, Canadian defence minister John McCallum said Canadian and US security officials would review what caused the huge blackout to examine how to protect against future power cuts.

Police in Toronto and Ottawa reported looting and other crime during the night of darkened streets, and authorities advised people to stay home if possible.

Ontario premier Ernie Eves said electricity generation was at 50% capacity on Friday morning, and was expected to reach two-thirds capacity by the end of the day.

Eves declared a state of emergency in Canada's most populous province after the blackout in southern Ontario, where most of the 10 million residents live.