Consumer Watchdog

Expose. Confront. Change.

Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
RUNNING ON EMPTY;

RUNNING ON EMPTY;

<h3>HOPE DIM FOR LOWER GAS PRICES</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Also on the supply side, the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has recommended that the state prevent Shell Oil from closing its Bakersfield refinery later this year.</p>
On the Dole

On the Dole

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">During his State of the State speech, Governor Schwarzenegger reminded the legislature that if he could sell the movie Red Sonja he could sell anything. Lately, Arnold has used his star power...</font>
Gasoline Prices: a Case of Cheating, Not Competing;

Gasoline Prices: a Case of Cheating, Not Competing;

<h3>Sound familiar? Think back to the electricity crisis.</h3> <p>If the recent sticker shock at the gasoline pump feels familiar, that's because it is the same old story that led California's electricity market to become the embarrassment of the nation.</p>
Commentary: Gasoline Prices: a Case of Cheating, Not Competing;

Commentary: Gasoline Prices: a Case of Cheating, Not Competing;

<h3>Sound familiar? Think back to the electricity crisis.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The recent 20-cent-per-gallon increase in California -- compared with just a 5-cent increase nationally -- is the result of cheating rather than competing by seven refiners that control more than 99% of the state's gasoline supply.</p>
Power firms gain from grid congestion

Power firms gain from grid congestion

<h3>Deal with state costs consumers millions</h3><p class="source">The San Diego Union Tribune</p> <p>Southern California's utility customers, who already pay among the highest rates in the nation for electricity, are now paying companies millions of dollars a month for power they never deliver.</p>
Edison Energy Plan Promised;

Edison Energy Plan Promised;

<h3>The electricity provider gains a powerful ally in its effort to restore consumer choice.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"It's buying into the false promise that semi-deregulation or any deregulation of electricity can work. It can't," said Doug Heller, senior consumer advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>
Industry Opposes Fuel Goal;

Industry Opposes Fuel Goal;

<h3>An oil company group urges the governor to reject a proposal to reduce state gasoline and diesel use by 15%.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Jamie Court, a longtime critic of the oil industry, noted that a top Schwarzenegger staffer is a former oil company lobbyist and that ChevronTexaco Corp. donated $500,000 to the state Republican party after the governor's election.</p>