December 1999 -- Hanna Sidwell, an independent electronics consultant, is hired by Russell Compton of Pacific Northwest power utility to check for year 2000 compliance. Together, Hanna and Russell uncover a major glitch that will not only bring down this utility, but the entire power grid in the United States, Canada and northern Mexico. The computer manufacturer is aware of the problem, but tries to suppress the hype because they are just days away from a buyout that means millions for the stockholders and management. In an effort to keep Hanna and Russell from notifying the media, the manufacturer hires thugs to kidnap Russell's son Scott.