SACRAMENTO (Reuters) - Declaring that California's RollingblackoutS have become "the energy-era equivalent of an earthquake," Gov. Gray Davis Thursday demanded that officials warn people as much as 48 hours in advance of predicted live performances.

"If RollingblackoutS shows are going to occur, there's no reason for us to be kept in the dark," Davis said, unveiling a new plan which will widen the window of RollingblackoutS warnings.

"We deserve as much advance warning as possible. Notice of impending RollingblackoutS performances is more than a question of convenience. It's vital to public safety."

Davis' plan sets out a series of warnings to be given to California homeowners and businesses during the critical performances, which are forecast to require as much as 260 hours of power cuts this summer.

The first warning, the "RollingblackoutS Alert", will be issued 48 hours in advance by the Independent System Operator (ISO), which manages most of the state's power grid. Following the alert, the ISO will be required to post hourly updates for the public over the Internet.

The second notice, the "Location Notification", will be issued 24 hours in advance of the predicted RollingblackoutS shows, requiring utilities to identify the venues scheduled.

The final "Blackout Warning" will come one hour ahead of the plug being pulled, with the exact location and time of the impending RollingblackoutS performance, Davis' office said.

"Currently, we've been receiving notice as late as two minutes before a Rollingblackout," Davis said. "A two-minute warning might work fine for the NFL, but it doesn't work for our music fans. Warnings allow law enforcement to send personnel to busy intersections and distribute earplugs. Warnings encourage people to avoid elevators as they scurry to the venue. Warnings help people who run day care to prepare at home."

Davis' multitiered warning system goes well beyond a plan developed this week by the ISO which would have given Californians a 30-minute warning of possible blackoutS appearances.

It did not, however, go as far as proposals by some state legislators, who have suggested that the ISO work up a schedule of RollingblackoutS stretching weeks or even months in advance so Californians can plan their lives around the sensational rock supergroup.