Energy
Bailout Watch #2 – Feb 06, 2001
BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians Bailout Watch #2 - Feb 06, 2001 Utilities seeking bailout…
Feb 6, 2001Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Norwood-Dingell Compromise Measure Step Forward For Patients;
But Still Cause For Some Concern The Foundation For Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) said today that the compromise HMO patients' rights…
Feb 6, 2001
Energy
Bailout Watch #1 – Feb 05, 2001
BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians The whole world is watching Last time, no one was…
Feb 5, 2001
Energy
Fact Sheet: The Utilities File Frivolous Lawsuits to Raise Rates
As part of the deregulation deal enacted by the California Legislature in 1996, California's utility companies -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co.,…
Feb 5, 2001
Insurance
Fact Sheet: Legislation to Let State Buy Electricity for Utility Companies – Impact on Ratepayers
The passage of AB1X on Thursday, February 1, is an unprecedented event in our state's history. Governor Davis and the California Legislature…
Feb 5, 2001
Insurance
Fact Sheet: Getting Stock Warrants in Exchange for a Ratepayer Bailout
Some state officials believe a multi-billion dollar ratepayer bailout of Edison and PG&E is necessary. FTCR and other consumer groups are adamantly…
Feb 5, 2001
Insurance
LOW-INCOME INSURANCE PROGRAM TESTED ON WEST COAST
Chicago Tribune California is experimenting with a plan to reduce the number of uninsured motorists by lowering premiums in Los Angeles and…
Feb 5, 2001California Governor Enlists McDonald’s to Get Out Conservation Message
San Jose Mercury News Gov. Gray Davis recently urged Californians to cut their energy consumption by 7 percent. But now he really…
Feb 4, 2001
Energy
Lights on at home, but not at end of tunnel
The Associated Press California's $10 billion gamble to plunge into the energy-buying business was greeted at the Capitol with hugs, back slapping…
Feb 3, 2001
Energy
Feds say power plant shutdowns not plot to boost prices
The San Diego Union-Tribune Federal regulators say California's record run of power plant shutdowns was legitimate and not an attempt to raise…
Feb 3, 2001
Energy
AUDIT FINDS NO ORCHESTRATION OF HIKES
A FEDERAL AGENCY SAYS PLANTS WEREN'T CLOSED TO DRIVE PRICES UP. REACTIONS OF DAVIS, OTHERS ARE SKEPTICAL.Los Angeles Times Maintenance shutdowns that…
Feb 3, 2001
Energy
PRIVATE POWER PRODUCERS INCREASE POLITICAL DONATIONS
ENERGY COMPANIES STEP UP CONTRIBUTIONS, WHILE FLOW FROM UTILITIES DWINDLES.Los Angeles Times As cash-strapped utilities curtail campaign donations to California lawmakers, privately…
Feb 2, 2001
Energy
FOUR UTILITY OFFICIALS SOLD STOCK BEFORE CRISIS
ONE MADE $31,140, ANOTHER $87,512 BEFORE THE FIRMS' FINANCIAL PROBLEMS WERE WIDELY KNOWN. PG&E AND EDISON DEFEND THE TRANSACTIONS.Los Angeles Times Three…
Feb 2, 2001
Energy
California Lawmakers Pass Energy Plan
The New York Times With deadlines looming and electricity at dangerously low levels for a 17th straight day, the California State Legislature…
Feb 2, 2001
Energy
Calif. to begin buying, selling power
Step triggers fears of high utility billsUSA TODAY California officially entered the power business Thursday when Gov. Gray Davis signed a $…
Feb 2, 2001
Energy
Calif. lawmakers work to minimize ratepayer hit in power crisis solution
Retail Services Report Despite earlier official vows that ratepayers would not have to foot the bill for expensive power in California, legislators…
Feb 2, 2001
Energy
Calif. Governor Signs Power Plan
State to Buy Electricity Directly From SuppliersThe Washington Post California lawmakers today reluctantly approved a $ 10 billion plan that authorizes the…
Feb 2, 2001
Insurance
COURT ASKED TO UPHOLD ZIP CODE-BASED RATES
Los Angeles Times Insurance Commissioner Harry Low has asked the California Supreme Court to uphold regulations that allow auto insurers to use…
Feb 2, 2001